Breaking the silence on life’s final journey

By Lethbridge Herald on February 19, 2026.

By Joe Manio

Lethbridge Herald

Free “Journeying Home” seminar in Lethbridge encourages open, honest conversation about planning, faith, and family care.

No one wants to think about death — especially when life feels full and healthy. Yet avoiding the conversation can leave loved ones unprepared and stressed when the inevitable arrives. The upcoming “Journeying Home” seminar, hosted by The Salvation Army in Lethbridge today , offers a safe space to discuss end-of-life planning from a Christian perspective, focusing on caring for family, faith, and personal wishes rather than dwelling on mortality.

Talking about death doesn’t bring it closer. Instead, being prepared for the end of life can be a gift to those left behind. Without communication, death and terminal illness can become lonely and stressful experiences — not just for the person who is ill, but for family members suddenly faced with difficult decisions.

From a Christian viewpoint, death is not simply an ending but a transition — a return home. The seminar explores that hope while also addressing practical realities many families face: final arrangements, medical wishes and how to clearly communicate personal values and desires.

“Final arrangements” isn’t exactly dinner table conversation. For many, especially those in good health, it feels unnecessary or even morbid. Why talk about funerals, paperwork or medical directives when life feels full and busy?

But when death comes suddenly or unexpectedly, loved ones are often left scrambling — making emotional decisions under pressure, sometimes unsure of what the person would have wanted. That uncertainty can add strain to an already painful time. Clear communication today can ease confusion tomorrow.

Organizers stress the goal isn’t to frighten anyone into planning, nor is it a sales pitch. The seminar is free and open to the community. Instead, it focuses on education, reflection and breaking down a long-standing taboo.

There is also an emotional and spiritual component. Many people carry quiet fears about dying — fears they may never voice. Others wrestle with questions about Heaven, faith and what comes next. Creating space for open dialogue can replace fear with understanding and isolation with community.

Residents seeking information about end-of-life planning, hospice care, or grief support have several community-based options beyond the upcoming seminar.

Guided Journeys Foundation supports hospice and palliative care initiatives and provides grief and bereavement resources. More information is available at guidedjourneys.ca.

Alberta Health Services offers palliative and home care services, including advance care planning resources. Residents can call 811 or visit albertahealthservices.ca.

Dying With Dignity Canada provides free educational tools on advance care planning and end-of-life decision-making. More information is available at dyingwithdignity.ca.

For help navigating local supports, residents can also dial 211 or visit ab.211.ca to connect with community and social services across southern Alberta.

The seminar will take place at The Salvation Army Lethbridge, 1302 4 Avenue S, Lethbridge, on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information or to register, call 403-328-8611.

Ultimately, the message behind “Journeying Home” is hopeful. Preparing for death is, in many ways, about affirming life — ensuring that one’s final chapter reflects personal values, faith and love for family. Breaking the silence today could be one of the most thoughtful gifts you leave behind tomorrow.