Here's a sample of what people are saying to describe their experiences with Five Wishes...

"My husband was diagnosed with Leukemia... Near the end I found it necessary to invoke the responsibilities given to me under the terms of the Five Wishes living will and, although nothing can adequately prepare you for the pain of losing a loved one, at least I knew that I was doing what he wanted. Of all the painful and emotional issues I was going through, I didn't have the anxiety and agony wondering if I did the right things for him. I had it spelled out in black and white. Through filling out Five Wishes, I knew to bring his favorite afghan and teddy bear to the hospital, as well as some of his granddaughter's drawings. I have made it my personal mission to share blank copies of this wonderful document with as many people, of all ages, as I possibly can... I tell them that this document, when properly executed, is a gift for them to give their loved ones, so that the survivors never have to agonize over any decisions they may have to make."

Jeannie M., Clearwater, FL

"We got a copy of the Five Wishes, and it's so much easier (than our previous living will) to understand and is more specific about decisions you need to consider... We realized that if something should happen to us that those same questions could come up while we were in the hospital and our family would have to make those decisions. It's hard enough for family members realizing they're going to have to let go. My husband and I have both talked about it and we don't want our son or each other to have to make those decisions."

Janice J., Port Gibson, MS

"It will be a year since my mother passed on. She had the Five Wishes living will. When it came down to the end, by brother and I had no questions on what we needed to do. We sat down with the doctor and went through all the questions and found out she had some things hooked up that she didn't really want to be hooked up to. My brother and I looked at each other and just said 'these are her wishes' and there was no question in our minds. We honored her wishes. Thank you so much for the Five Wishes -- my brother and I have a clear conscience knowing we did what she wanted us to do."

Cheryl K., Longwood, FL

"We have replaced our living will with Five Wishes. It is particularly appropriate because my husband has cancer and we have had good discussions with our four children."

Helen M., Summit, NJ

"I was really impressed with the Five Wishes document, and felt it was more detailed than a living will. It covered a lot of area for the terminally ill patient, such as: if you are in the hospital do you want music played, do you want pictures of your loved ones, do you want to be bathed? Some people don't like to be touched. Like my mom said, 'don't touch me if I'm in the hospital.' But, my dad wanted to be touched. I knew what he wanted. That's why I wanted him to fill out Five Wishes, not only for him, but for me too."

Joanne R., Tallahassee, FL

"It would be nice to have somebody pray for me. But if I'm dying, I want them to pray for my peace of mind, not my recovery... We've talked about this quite a bit at our house."

Elizabeth L. Minneapolis, MN

"My husband and I filled out Five Wishes in November 1997, before he passed away in April, 1998. Needless to say, we didn't know it would be so soon. We were so grateful to God for his wisdom in choosing to do this before his passing... Our doctor, nurses, hospital and nursing home were so gracious to acknowledge the living will... His passing was glorious and we thank God for you folks. We still remember the kindness and concern shown by all because of your concern."

Vivian P., Bradenton, FL

"I must say I love your form. It's just what me and my patients with terminal diagnoses have been wanting for. It's clear, easy to understand, and doesn't just dwell on the concrete issues of medical care but on the issues of real importance; the human care. I used (Five Wishes)for myself and my husband. I work as a homecare and hospice social worker. I'd like to use it for my patients."

Susan W., Flagstaff, AZ

"My mother recently had a heart attack and stroke... A nurses aide showed me the Five Wishes document which is to be filled out while a person is still in good health. I was very impressed by this form... We definitely would like to fill one out and have it on file for our children. I don't want my children to have to make the decisions I am having to make for my mother. I never knew that there were so many medical options to be considered. Thank you for providing such a sensitive and caring form."

Diana W., Hanover, IL

Tell us your story!

1-888-5-WISHES   e-mail: fivewishes@agingwithdignity.org