The thought of losing a loved one evokes fear. Few will admit that they think of it, fewer still want to talk about it. But bereavement is an everyday occurrence and will happen to everyone who lives long enough. Be proactive: Expected Date of Departure encourages you to prepare yourself for loss and to choose your response in advance. Action-based: Expected Date of Departure gives you permission to think about the inevitable death of loved ones, talk about it, and to plan for grief before it happens. Preparing for loss does not bring on bad luck nor does it cause fear; instead, it can make our world a more delightful place to live in. (Death & Grief/Self-Help)