Jorge: I was really worried about telling my family I chose my niece, Vera, to be my decision maker. I was afraid that my other family members would be upset that I did not choose one of them. But, I sat everyone down and told them that I wanted my niece to be my medical decision maker. I told them I wanted the family to try to work together, but that Vera has the final say. They were a little upset by this at first. But, when I explained that Vera understood my medical condition the best, they understood why I chose her.

Linda: I was afraid to tell my kids about my medical wishes because I didn’t want to upset them. It was also a scary topic. But it was important to me. So, I told them that I never want to be on a breathing machine and I never want to be kept alive if I can’t wake up from a coma. I saw my sister go through that and I just won’t do it. Once I got talking, it got easier and easier. Talking to my kids was worth it because now I feel that they really understand what is important to me.

Helen: I believe that my health will respond to prayer. But, I also realize that other people, like my doctors and my decision maker, will be able to take better care of me if they know about my medical wishes.

If I talk to them now, they’ll be prepared if they ever need to help make medical decisions for me.

Linda: My daughter is my decision maker and we’ve talked about how I want a natural death without going to the hospital. I didn’t want to worry or upset the rest of my family by talking to them about this. But, then I realized that, by not telling the rest of my family, I was actually putting a much greater burden on my daughter.

Rita: My family and I don’t always see eye to eye. It really took a weight off of my shoulders when my mom told them I was her decision maker and that she wanted a natural death. There is no room for disagreement now. I’m just so glad this is taken care of.

Helen: I was afraid my doctor wouldn’t have time to talk to me about what is most important in my life. I have so many other medical problems that I was feeling guilty by adding more to her work.

Dr Garcia: BUT, I was VERY glad she brought it up. Because she told me who her decision maker is, what is most important in her life, and her wishes for medical care, I can make sure she gets the medical care that she really wants.

Ken: I’m not close to my family. As a matter of fact, I don’t really trust them, so I don’t want them to be a part of my health care. I know if I called them together to tell them about my wishes there would be fighting. So I told my doctor that I don’t want my family involved in my medical care. My doctor wrote this in my medical chart.