Lots of feelings and grief have been nudging, bumping and sneaking around me this month. My dad is moving and our relationship has changed dramatically in the past several months. Losing a powerful force like my mom left a empty place in our family that changed all our relationships and dynamics. You end up grievingContinue reading “Old photos and new grief”
Author Archives: MKChurchman
Profiles of Resiliency: Conversations About Death, Dying and Grief
Taylor’s suicide changed Genevera’s life in innumerable ways. “It changed everything about who I am, what my priorities are, who I want to be.”
Quick message
Thanatology Thursday: Memento Mori and Vanitas
Edward Collier
Still Life with a Volume of Wither’s ‘Emblemes’ 1696
Tate represents death in vanitas art.
Wise Words Wednesday: Anderson
“Our society has tried to make death invisible, thinking that if we ignore it long enough it will go away. Often we as family and loved ones are so afraid of death that even mentioning the word to terminal patients is taboo. We think the dying are oblivious to what is happening to them. Sadly,Continue reading “Wise Words Wednesday: Anderson”
Thanatology Thursday
Thought I’d share some historical and cultural concepts of death and dying from time to time. Starting with this definition from Britannica: “Thanatology: the description or study of death and dying and the psychological mechanisms of dealing with them. Thanatology is concerned with the notion of death as popularly perceived and especially with the reactionsContinue reading “Thanatology Thursday”
Wise Words Wednesday: Doughty
Early in my journey toward becoming a death doula, I came across the book Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty. Doughty is a founder of Order of the Good Death and a tireless advocate for death positivity and education. This book talks about her time as a brand new employee in a crematoryContinue reading “Wise Words Wednesday: Doughty”
Talk About It Tuesday in Two Weeks
Talk About It Tuesdays will provide a safe space to talk about matters related to death, dying, doulas, hospice, living well, holistic care or anything that pertains to death and dying and grief. While it has long been proven that planning and preparing for death leads to a more peaceful and “good” death, talking aboutContinue reading “Talk About It Tuesday in Two Weeks”
Media Monday: Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Boseman died this weekend. He was 43 and died of colon cancer. His diagnosis was kept confidential between his closest family and friends, meaning he showed incredible determination and strength working to make moving art with pain and grace. This article in the USA Today is a timely reminder about the uptick of colonContinue reading “Media Monday: Chadwick Boseman”
Wise Words Wednesday: Kalanithi
Kalanithi beautifully encapsulates the duty of end of life doulas and others in death care in this quote, which is one of my favorites. I highly recommend this book for anyone, but especially for those who know and love someone who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition. It is such a beautiful look insideContinue reading “Wise Words Wednesday: Kalanithi”
