Love, trust and planning can ease end-of-life decisions for loved ones [Video]

You know the kind of video that makes you laugh and cry at the same time? I recommend one at the end of this column: In just two minutes, this video packs in laughter, love, fear, courage and compassion. And what topic could elicit all those feelings so quickly? Talking about end-of-life planning with loved ones.

April 16 is National Health Care Decisions Day. As a hospital chaplain, I encourage you to set aside time to complete an advanced care plan, update a past one, if needed, and ask your loved ones to complete one. On this form, you name the people you would want to talk to the doctors on your behalf if you were not able to do so. You also can name preferences about specific medical interventions you would want in certain situations.

Picking the person who will make decisions for you depends on many factors. Choose …