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“Leave a Light On”
Song comforts those suffering from addiction, depression or griefScottish singer-songwriter Tom Walker’s 2017 song, “Leave a Light On,” is a powerful reminder that there are people out there who care. Anyone grappling with grief, addiction, or mental health issues will take comfort in the chorus’s repeated assurance that “I will leave a light on.” Building up to this promise, the pre-chorus offers a…
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The Changing Face of the Funeral Service Industry
As many older morticians retire, they are replaced by a younger, female workforceWhen people think of morticians, an image of an older, doleful man dressed in black, possibly hiding some secrets or scams, might come to mind. But the face of the funeral service industry is rapidly changing, as many older morticians and funeral directors retire. The funeral worker industry is currently facing a shortage, which may…
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“The Seventh Seal” by Ingmar Bergman
A poetic classic film for contemplating death and mortalityI would like to begin this post by saying that I do NOT recommend “The Seventh Seal” to anyone who is grieving, nor those coping with the impending loss/current illness of a loved one. However, if you are philosophically interested in reflecting on your own mortality, or on a spiritual journey to embrace death as…
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My Loved One Attempted Suicide. What Now?
Treating the attempt as a medical issue may help to better support those in crisisThe aftermath of an attempted suicide can be fraught with tension, emotion and fear. Loved ones may be afraid to talk about the incident, fearing the conversation will bring up the person’s desire to end their life again. Friends and family may be terrified, constantly afraid that the person will try another time. However, avoiding…
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“An Archaeology of Silence” by Kehinde Wiley
A new exhibit looks at the death of Black men and womenClassic art is no stranger to depicting death. Scenes of a martyred Jesus and other saints dominated art for centuries, interspersed with a fascination with painting other tableaus of death and violence such as Socrates ingesting poison, Greek heroes felled in battle, or Ophelia drowned in water. But much of Western art was dominated by…
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Our Monthly Tip: Preserve Your Last Memories With Email
How to use email to digitally preserve memories in the aftermath of a deathOur Monthly Tip: When you lose a loved one, whether unexpectedly or not, you are still suddenly confronted with what feels like a million conflicting priorities around planning a memorial, coordinating an estate, grieving, caring for others, and more. Many people describe the time period right before and after losing someone as being a “blur”…
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“Deepening The Wonder”
Hafiz invites us to joyfully embrace the impermanence of existenceDeath is a favor to us,But our scales have lost their balance. The impermanence of the bodyShould give us great clarity,Deepening the wonder in our senses and eyes Of this mysterious existence we shareAnd are surely just traveling through. If I were in the Tavern tonight,Hafiz would call for drinks And as the Master poured,…
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Prison Inmates Lack Access to Hospice Care
Organizations work to provide a dignified death for those behind barsHospice care can benefit anyone diagnosed with a terminal illness, even incarcerated individuals. However, few inmates have access to the same level of care. Many organizations believe prison inmates are deserving of the hope and comfort these services provide for others on the outside. And they are working diligently to ensure end-of-life services become an…
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“You’re Missing”
A song mourning 9/11 also resonates with othersBruce Springsteen’s 2002 album “The Rising” was a poignant reflection on 9/11. In it, he reflects on the politics of the time, shares in the grief of the nation, fights against anti-Muslim rhetoric, and honors fallen first responders. But he also manages to convey the quiet sadness and grief experienced by families who lost a…
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