Event encourages difficult conversation
By Sonia Isaacs
OFTEN when a person’s Will is finally announced, there can be a sense of disappointment and even disputes amongst family members and friends.
According to TULE (Tying up loose Ends) spokesperson Fleur Adamson, contesting wills is an all too common occurrence in Australia.
“Generational family breakdown can be one of the greatest costs of contested wills,” she explained.
Recognising the need for more conversation around Wills, and ways to avoid mitigation and possible litigation after the fact, TULE is hosting an event ‘What about me?’ on Sunday May 19 from 2pm-4pm at the Maleny Playhouse.
Deb Moseley will be sharing her skills as a facilitator to help attendees give voice to what matters to them, and encourage exploration of the difficult conversations people need to have around their wishes.
For the last 20 years, Ms Moseley has voluntarily facilitated ‘compassionate communication’ programs. Speaking with GC&M News she said she had learned the importance of stepping into a space of understanding the feelings and needs of self and others.
“In that landscape, conflict is less likely because we are simply humans, each with our vulnerabilities,
“We all know joy and anger and all the feelings in between. We all have needs for safety, respect, consideration and many more universal needs that come from simply being alive,” she said.
Ms Moseley said when it was time for her own mother to write her will she decided to give the most money to the children with the least assets, however in doing so, she first brought the family to the table and explained her reasons for dividing her assets. The family were then able to talk it through and come to a mutually respectful understanding.
“Where family communication patterns are set without honesty around the important step of planning for our medical care and death, family relationships suffer,
“Too many families lack the courage to talk openly about death resulting in anxiety and arguments. Death, like birth, involves family planning. How we plan for our death impacts relationships for future generations,“ she explained.
Tickets are $10, available via trybooking or cash sales at the door. Afternoon tea provided.