Amir's story: a last act of giving

About Death

What if you thought of your death as your last act of giving? Not a financial gift, but a gift of supporting the people you're leaving behind to be as ready and prepared as they can be to live their best lives. That's the perspective of Amir, a young Dad who’s recently had a health scare (and is doing really well now). Amir has started to explore the legacy he wants to leave for his four boys - and the influence that’s having on how he wants to live life now.

Welcome to Amir’s story.

Hosted by: Sam Meikle

Produced by: Spark the Difference

Here’s what Amir shares in our conversation:

00:09 - These conversations are all real and can sometimes be a bit raw. Remember, you can always pause and take a break for a bit.

03:45 Amir’s first experience of a loved one dying was when he was 36 and his gran passed away from dementia.

08:02 How Amir and his son talk about death

10:55 The big conclusion Amir has arrived at for his own death: an ultimate act of empathy, compassion and courage.

12:54 It’s easier to leave than be left

19:33 What a good death looks like to Amir

22:24 Ideas on starting a conversation about death and dying

25:15 The roles that fear and courage can play in these conversations

29:15 How journalling might support you to start exploring what you think and feel about death

33:33 How the stoic philosophers talk about death (and who the stoic philosophers are!)

37:04 Flipping the frame from “I” to really putting a lot of love and generosity into the people around you

40:33 The two sides to death: our own death and the death of another.

A note on looking after ourselves: these conversations are all real and can feel a little raw. If you’re struggling with the content that we’re talking about, please seek support. This might be from a trusted family member or friend. The Samaritans Team are always available to talk and you can contact them on 116 123.