What do you say when someone you love is dying—and you know your time together is limited? In this practical and compassionate episode, Judy Oskam talks with Dr. Maureen Keeley, a leading researcher on end-of-life communication, from Texas State University.  Dr. Maureen Keeley offers a research-based framework for anyone caring for an aging parent, supporting a loved one through illness, or anticipating loss.  Listeners will learn what matters most in end-of-life conversations and how small, everyday moments can become the memories that last a lifetime.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to rethink “final conversations” so you don’t wait until it’s too lateWhy there is no perfect goodbyeHow everyday routines can provide comfort, meaning, and connection at the end of lifeHow these conversations help you, not just the person who is dying The Six Themes of Final Conversations (Research-Based)Love messages – expressing love, reassurance, affection, and presenceIdentity messages – affirming strengths, values, and who someone has been in your lifeSpiritual or religious messages – faith, meaning, beliefs about death or the afterlifeEveryday talk – routine conversations, humor, shared activities, normal lifeHealing difficult relationships – addressing unresolved tension, softening anger, finding peaceTaking care of the business of death and dying – wishes, living wills, memorial plans, passwords, and practical guidanceDr. Maureen Keeley is a Professor of Interpersonal Communication at Texas State University.  She has studied end-of-life communication for more than two decades.  You can find Dr. Keeley and Dr. Yingling's book below: The Good Goodbye:  The Transformative Power of Conversation at the End of Life by Maureen P. Kelley, Ph.D. and Julie M. Yingling, Ph.D. This episode was recorded at Live Oak Studios on the campus of Texas State University.I'd love to hear from you - send me a text! Hi Friend - Thanks for listening! Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.