Dr. Richard Wagner returned to the program – and we discussed more about his life-changing book “The Amateur’s Guide to Death and Dying: Enhancing the End of Life.” Profound questions were explored: What is important in life? And, how important is sexuality in your life? If I had six months to live, what might I be doing differently? What are some intimate/sexual techniques for folks who are dying – as well as for the rest of us? What should someone do who does not have a partner?
Answers were given. Many are touch deprived. Giving permission is essential. There are women who have to give to feel alive. What about two elderly women providing intimate touch for each other? Spoon breathing and guided hand touch for everyone was explained. Living a good death can help when facing one’s own mortality. These two programs provide an opportunity to break free from the painful silence our culture imposes on death talk.