Let us eat cake and talk about death
I started a virtual Death Cafe shortly after starting my practice. I discontinued after a about a year due to other obligations, but I’m starting them again. I will host another community Death Cafe-style virtual event on Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 PM ET. It is free and open to anyone, and the conversations can be about anything that you feel you need to talk about. Holding these conversations by Zoom allows everyone to participate and gives us all a sense of togetherness, but if you’re not ready to share with strangers, I’m available for private chats as well. I’m still looking for a location to do an in-person event locally where I can also livestream for those who want to attend remotely. A few people have asked about Instagram or Facebook Live, but those venues don’t facilitate conversations between each other, which is the benefit and foundation of a Death Cafe. I also am available in my private group Solace Sanctuary if people would feel more comfortable carrying on discussions or continuing discussion that way. It is a safe and sacred space where anyone can talk about death, dying, aging, grief and other “big” life and death stuff.
The Tradition of National Wreaths Across America
Saturday was National Wreaths Across America. I donated a wreath and spent some time at the National Cemetery in New Albany last weekend in honor of the occasion. National Wreaths Across America is a heartfelt and patriotic tradition that takes place annually, bringing communities together to honor and remember the brave men and women who have served in every branch of the United States Armed Forces. This poignant event, marked by the laying of wreaths on the graves of veterans, symbolizes gratitude, remembrance, and a collective commitment to never forget the sacrifices made for freedom, but I believe it can be a wonderful opportunity to honor and remember our own beloved deceased loved ones, whether or not they were veterans.
Celebrate National Family Stories Month: Capturing the Wisdom of Our Elders
Hey, y’all! I’m happy to be back sharing on the blog today. Can you believe it’s already November?! November is so much more than pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters, although those are two of my very favorite things. November commemorates Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness, Family Caregivers, Gratitude, Home Care and Hospice, Life Writing, Long-Term Care […]
The American Healthcare System and End of Life Care
Hey there, folks! Today, let’s talk about something that’s been a topic of discussion for quite a while – the good ol’ American healthcare system. Now, we’re all familiar with the infamous saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But when it comes to the US healthcare system, it seems like the saying might need a little tweaking – “If it’s broke, let’s talk about fixing it!”
Mom’s Deathiversary
It has been 4 years. Some days it feels like yesterday. Grief and loss is transformational. I’m not the person I was when my mom was still alive. Thats grief, but that’s also growth. I think she’d like who I have become.
Why I became a death doula
Grief impacts ALL of you
Society incorrectly believes that grief is an emotion. Instead, grief itself is something you experience, which means you “feel” all kinds of emotions as you live it. Grieving impacts your body, mind and spirit as much as any other part of life you experience: vacations, job searches, marriages, divorces, school, and on and on. What are some ways the grief experience affects your physical body, and what can you do to mitigate some of those issues? Let’s talk about that.
Your presence is powerful
Want to know how to help someone you love deal with loss or trauma? I recommend “What Happened To You?” by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph. D and Oprah Winfrey. It emphasizes the importance of connectedness and being present for those you love. We can all learn how to be truly present with those we […]
Aging and Healthcare: A worsening crisis
The elderly and aging in our community deserve to access the care they need to continue to pursue their individual happiness and participate in the lifestyles, hobbies and activities they value until the end on their lives. Our institutions throughout society must shift the way we do things to remove barriers in healthcare for our aging populations. Doing so will improve the lives of us all.
Motivation for Monday
Not gonna lie, I’ve been feeling a bit unmotivated and frustrated the past week. Between bad weather and deathiversaries, I’ve been in my feelings and a bit morose. But the sun came out today, I had an excellent productive meeting, and I have filled my calendar this week with exciting networking opportunities and caregiving. I’m […]
