29/05/2026
VAD… Voluntary Assisted Dying.
Not an easy conversation, but an important one.
One person who honoured this process so openly and publicly was James Valentine. Through his openness, he gently helped open the door for many more conversations around death, choice, dignity, and what it means to truly live until the very end.
Today, I finally had some time and felt ready to sit down and watch the Australian Story on ABC about James Valentine and his last year living graciously.
I wanted to make sure I was uninterrupted and could give it the respect that watching his story deserved.
I wanted to learn.
To listen.
To observe.
To witness the story James so graciously chose to share with all of us.
It deserved my undivided attention.
One quote from him especially stayed with me:
“Don’t start mourning before you have to. There’ll be plenty of time for that.”
This year, since beginning my volunteering in palliative care — learning how to respectfully be there for people as they move through their own final chapters — my eyes have opened in ways I could never have fully imagined.
Along the way, I have met people who have openly shared their own experiences and perspectives of the VAD process. Listening without judgement, with compassion and curiosity, has been incredibly humbling.
And then, witnessing James Valentine’s very public openness in living his final year with such gratitude… it has certainly opened my eyes even more.
Death still feels like such a taboo topic for so many. Almost as though speaking about it might somehow invite it in.
Yet we plan so many parts of our lives… our careers, holidays, weddings, homes, finances, births.
So why don’t we also talk about, and gently plan for, a good death?
Preparing for our final chapter can undeniably be challenging. But it can also be deeply meaningful. It can bring clarity, peace, dignity, and relief for the people we love.
Perhaps, in speaking about death more openly, we also learn how to live more graciously.
More present.
More honest.
More awake to each day we are given.
And to quote James ...
"There are breaths to be taken.
A sky to contemplate.
Beauty still to be seen.
And life still to be lived. 🌿"
If you missed watching it, or feel curious to learn more about James and his story, I’ve included the link below.
There is no rush.
Like me, you may want to wait until the time feels right — if at all. These kinds of stories can ask us to sit with some big emotions and reflections, and I think it’s something we each arrive at in our own time, in our own way. 🌿
If this brings up thoughts, questions, or simply a desire to talk about end-of-life planning in a gentle, respectful way, please know you don’t have to navigate those conversations alone. Sometimes having a safe space to talk can make all the difference. Feel free to reach out if you feel called to. 🌿
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-23/702-abc-sydney-presenter-james-valentine-dies-cancer-/106591720?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web
Recruited by Universe | Guided by Heart
The presenter and professional saxophone player is being remembered for his ability to explore the humour and oddities of daily life on the airwaves.