"Dear Friends & Clients: As many of you know, I am a longtime supporter of Hospice."

That's the way an e-mail began that appeared today in my business inbox. At first, I thought it might have been a plea for donations (dana), but as I read on it became more interesting.

"For those of you who have had friends or family members in hospice, you know the remarkable value that hospice care can provide for terminally ill people. Unfortunately, many people are not referred to, or do not accept, hospice care until the very end. Although hospice is generally considered appropriate for someone with a prognosis of less than 6 months to live, the average hospice stay is less than a week."

The message went on to say that the author, an attorney friend, had been traveling with his family and listening to an interview with Dr. Atul Gawande on Terry Gross’ program “Fresh Air” on NPR. Dr. Gawande was discussing end-of-life issues that appeared in his recent article in the New Yorker magazine. The interview, along with the article, presents a remarkable overview of the medical, legal, social, philosophical, spiritual, and even financial aspects of this issue. It also contains the personal reflections of the author regarding decisions we make for ourselves and our loved ones at the end of life.

I had read the article, and found it fascinating. Happily, the e-mail also included a link to where the interview can be heard on WBUR radio.

"As an attorney," he continued, "I have had to help my clients and their loved ones deal with end of life issues in a variety of contexts. In Georgia, we have Advanced Directives for Medical Care that address some of these issues. I have attached a copy of the Statutory Form for your use. If you live somewhere other than Georgia, check with your attorney regarding how to ensure that your end-of-life wishes are carried out. Most importantly, talk to your loved ones about your choices and desires regarding end-of-life care."

So what I thought might be a plea for money turned out to be a free service sharing important advise for end-of-life planning. I felt guilty about my cynical first reaction.

"Life is precious," he concluded, "but it isn’t permanent."