It’s also important to let teachers, playmate parents and others close to the child know about the situation as well. That way, they can monitor and understand what the child experiences, particularly if it shows up in writing, drawing or conversation.

One of the biggest no-no’s, professionals agree, is comparing death to sleep. For obvious reasons, you don’t want children going to bed each night with the fear of never waking up or with the false belief that death is a temporary state.

If you have a palliative care team, they can be of assistance in the various successful ways they have experienced in letting children know about death. They may even have resources to share the news. Hospice staff and other counselors are experts at handling delicate end-of-life situations.

Of course, once you tell someone the news, it will be time to put your affairs in order. It will be good to have a conversation with certain people about your plans for a will or medical power of attorney. While some of the conversations may be uncomfortable, they need to be done. A social worker or member of your care team may be able to assist.

The Final Goodbye

Of course, not everyone opts for a grim, tearful farewell. Some people actually hold a party or have someone close to them host one. You don’t necessarily have to let people know the reason for the event, but many of them will know, and it’s a great way to send someone off without being maudlin. Particularly if you have a disease that may encumber your communication in its final stages, it’s a way to clear the decks, so to speak, and have the memories that linger remain fond.

One modern way to say farewell is a video. This can be played at the memorial service if you choose to have one and perhaps personal letters can be distributed to certain attendees.

Whatever you choose, know that you have eased the burdens of those close to you by sharing your news. While it’s not the easiest conversation to have, many report feeling a great weight has been lifted once they tell someone else. That, more than anything else, may be the greatest benefit of having the conversation.