Hi Colleen (moderator)
Thanks for posting the link to the above article by Dr. Kuhl via ShareCare.com. I have shared the link via Twitter as well, I especially appreciate number 8. "Provide opportunities for the other person to speak as well. As you listen, suspend all judgment."
At end of life honest communication is more important than ever and part of its importance is the ability to listen to what the dying person needs to say. Usually people focus on what they need to say to the dying person. I love the emphasis on suspending judgment as we listen. That's never easy to do, but so worthwhile.
My Mom couldn't say much verbally in her last few days, but she communicated clearly with her eyes and her smile and her demeanour, to which I paid great attention and actively "listened" for the important messages she wanted to convey.
VHcath