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SevenPonds / Page 315

  • Grieving the Loss of HealthGrappling with the complex emotions associated with terminal illness

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    Kathleen Clohessy

    Grieving the Loss of Health
    Grappling with the complex emotions associated with terminal illness

  • Looking for an Eco-Friendly Burial Option? Coral Reef Memorials Support New LifeResting Reef plans to create coral reef structures out of human remains

    Looking for an Eco-Friendly Burial Option? Coral Reef Memorials Support New Life
    Resting Reef plans to create coral reef structures out of human remains

    A growing number of people are searching for environmentally conscious burial options. Indeed, according to the National Funeral Directors Association in 2024, “68% would be interested in exploring ‘green’ funeral options … up from 55.7% in 2021.” A recent entry into the green burial market is Resting Reef, whose mission is “to provide an environmentally…

    Maria Mocerino

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  • “Tears” by Kay WalkingStickA Cherokee artist re-creates a beautiful funeral scaffold mourning both her dead husband and her people

    “Tears” by Kay WalkingStick
    A Cherokee artist re-creates a beautiful funeral scaffold mourning both her dead husband and her people

    Kay WalkingStick has experienced her fair share of loss. As a member of the Cherokee Nation, her ancestors were victims of the genocide and forced relocation of Indigenous peoples by new settlers to the continent. Over a fifth of the Cherokee population is estimated to have died along the Trail of Tears.  Such a profound…

    Ariana Barnes

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  • Since When Does Cremation Not Include Fire?Hey Cremation Association of North America (CANA), what's up with the new definition of "cremation"?

    Since When Does Cremation Not Include Fire?
    Hey Cremation Association of North America (CANA), what’s up with the new definition of “cremation”?

    I write this with the greatest of disappointment. As a former CANA (Cremation Association of North America) member for many years, I’m discouraged by the organization having allowed a redefinition of “cremation” to sometimes not include fire. Come on CANA members, really – why are you not up in arms about this? Going in opposition…

    Suzette Sherman

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  • “The Nights”Singer provides a lively ode to making the most of one’s time on Earth

    “The Nights”
    Singer provides a lively ode to making the most of one’s time on Earth

    The Swedish songwriter Avicii, born Tim Bergling, was well known for his quick rise to fame in the electronic dance music scene and his untimely death from suicide. Despite fast tempos and catchy hooks, most of his songs explored morality, the brevity of youth, and life’s internal struggles. “The Nights” is a song that reflects…

    Ariana Barnes

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  • National Cremation Growth Rate Is SlowingAn annual report predicts steady growth in cremation rates, despite the recent deceleration

    National Cremation Growth Rate Is Slowing
    An annual report predicts steady growth in cremation rates, despite the recent deceleration

    In its 2025 Annual Statistics Report, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) confirms that after decades of rapid growth in the United States, the national cremation growth rate is starting to slow, after reaching 61.8% in 2024.  The organization predicts that by 2029, the cremation rate in the U.S. will be 67.9%. And, as…

    Caitlin Manner

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  • Bill Would Allow Veterans Options in BurialThe Loved Ones Interment Act would end policy that prevents those who receive urns or plaques from being interred in national cemeteries

    Bill Would Allow Veterans Options in Burial
    The Loved Ones Interment Act would end policy that prevents those who receive urns or plaques from being interred in national cemeteries

    U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) has introduced the Loved Ones Interment Act, a bill that would allow veterans who are cremated and receive an urn or plaque from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be buried in a national cemetery. Under the current law, a family is not allowed to do both.  The…

    Amanda Dodge

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  • What Is Anticipatory Grief?People living with terminal illness face grief and loss long before death occurs

    What Is Anticipatory Grief?
    People living with terminal illness face grief and loss long before death occurs

    When psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross released her seminal book “On Death and Dying” in 1969, she based her writings on the experiences of people who were facing certain death. Through a series of interviews and conversations with terminally ill children and adults, she opened a window into what it’s like to live with a terminal illness…

    Kathleen Clohessy

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  • “In Lieu of Flowers”A poem discusses alternatives to sending flowers to the bereaved

    “In Lieu of Flowers”
    A poem discusses alternatives to sending flowers to the bereaved

    Although I love flowers very much, I won’t see them when I’m gone. So in lieu of flowers: Buy a book of poetry written by someone still alive, sit outside with a cup of tea, a glass of wine, and read it out loud, by yourself or to someone, or silently.Spend some time with a…

    Celeste Willis

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  • “Always”In this film the spirit of a recently dead aerial firefighter must guide a younger pilot and help the love of his life move on

    “Always”
    In this film the spirit of a recently dead aerial firefighter must guide a younger pilot and help the love of his life move on

    Always is a heartwarming (and even sappy) fantasy film about death and letting go — to a beautiful theme song: “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” sung by The Platters. Set in the fictional location of Flat Rock, Colorado, the 1989 film is a remake of “A Guy Named Joe” (1943), a war film about the…

    Maria Mocerino

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