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“Rumi: Tales of The Spirit, A Journey to Healing the Heart”
A dynamic book of Rumi’s untold stories paired with insightful commentary by the authorBefore reading Kamla K. Kapur’s book, “Rumi: Tales of the Spirit, A Journey to Healing the Heart,” I had only been familiar with Rumi’s poems, and for good reason. Rumi (1207-1273) is best known for his work as a 13th-century Persian poet, but, unsurprisingly, it turns out he’s also a wonderful storyteller. Here Kamla K.…
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Maryland Medical-Aid-in-Dying Law Fails
The hard-fought battle for death with dignity for terminally ill patients was lost in a tie voteLast week, the Maryland Senate failed to pass proposed legislation to allow medical-aid-in-dying to become legal in that state. The measure passed the House in early March, and advocates were hopeful that there were enough votes in the Senate to send the bill to Gov. Larry Hogan’s desk. But instead, the vote ended in a…
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“Life Without You”
The song was written following the death of a close friendThe death of a loved one is a harrowing experience. Sometimes the grief is so overwhelming that it’s difficult to know the best way to honor them. Writing a memorial song commemorating your loved one who died is certainly a possibility for people who are confident and talented enough to compose original music. Blues-rock legend…
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“All That Is Solid Melts Into Air” by David Orr
A collection of photos of the sky memorializes people who have died violent deathsDavid Orr is an internationally recognized visual artist and photographer whose work has been displayed extensively in the United States and abroad. He is also a sought after speaker and has presented at venues across the United States, including The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, The Director’s Guild of America, The Mütter Museum, The New…
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What Are the Best Ways to Pay for Final Expenses? (Interview)
An interview with Ruth Bennett, Executive Director of the Funeral Consumer’s Alliance of Arizona, Part TwoToday SevenPonds speaks with Ruth Bennett, the Executive Director of the Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) of Arizona. A nationwide organization, the FCA is a nonprofit that works to protect the rights of consumers to choose a “meaningful, dignified, affordable funeral.” Ruth has been with the FCA since 2010. She has agreed to speak with us…
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“Alzheimer’s, Widowed Stepmothers & Estate Crimes”
In this book, an estate litigation expert draws on his experiences and expertiseMichael Hackard is a California-based attorney who specializes in estates and trusts litigation. About one year ago, we reviewed his first book, “Wolf at the Door,” an eye-opening and sometimes heartbreaking account of the way America’s elderly are subjected to various forms of financial abuse. Now, Mr. Hackard has written a follow up: “Alzheimer’s, Widowed…
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China’s Elderly Colleges
The institutions offer a wide range of subjectsThe old adage “it’s never too late” certainly rings true for many older citizens in China. Senior people in the east Asian nation can now learn new skills at elderly colleges, educational institutions geared towards its older population. Courses range in subject matter from artistic skills to more traditional university classes. Many involve physical motion.…
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Our Monthly Tip: Share Plant Cuttings that Speak of the Person Who Died
A meaningful keepsake or thank you gift for memorial service attendeesOur Tip of the Month What better way is there to honor the life of a departed loved one than by sharing a cutting of a plant they once nurtured or admired? Offering this personalized keepsake at a wake or memorial service emphasizes life rather than death. As the cuttings prosper manifold in the homes…
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Alex Trebek, Cancer, and the Language of Life-Limiting Illness
Who decides how a man who’s just been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer “should” behave?Earlier this month, TV personality Alex Trebek announced his cancer diagnosis on national TV. On March 5, the 78-year-old host of “Jeopardy” told the world he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. In his statement, he mentioned the extremely poor prognosis associated with the disease. But then he went on to say, “But…
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