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The Five Stages of Grief, Turned Upside Down
Graphic designer Witchoria represents grief using gorgeous landscapesLike the seven deadly sins, the five stages of grief have been dissected over and over by thousands of artists, each with a slightly different variation on the same theme. The problem with the five stages of grief is that most artistic renditions are straightforward and obvious. Anger is usually red, depression is usually blue…
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What is Aromatherapy and How Can It Help Those Facing Death? An Interview with Nyssa Hanger (Interview)
An aromatherapist shares her insight into how scent can enhance our well-beingToday SevenPonds completes our two-part interview with Nyssa Hanger, an aromatherapist from Tampa, Florida. (Read part one here.) Nyssa is a self-employed masseuse and essential oils expert. She is also the founder of Upward Spiral, where she helps clients heal through aromatherapy and massage. Her backgrounds in holistic healing, aromatherapy and spiritual studies have helped…
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“Bodies in Motion and at Rest”
Essays touch on life, death and the author’s 30+ years of experience in the funeral home industryThomas Lynch is both a published poet and funeral director, and these two facets of his persona are on full display in his book of essays, “Bodies in Motion and at Rest.” Published in 2000, the collection contains discussions and personal musings about life and death and Lynch’s experiences as a funeral director. Life lessons,…
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New Jersey Will Forgive Student Loan Debt for Kids Who Die
A new law ends the state’s aggressive collection practices against parents of dead kidsThere is arguably no pain greater than that of losing a child or seeing your child become permanently disabled. In fact, when most of us hear stories of such tragic loss, they inspire in us compassion, empathy and a desire to help. So it seems inconceivable that a government agency would act in a way…
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The Evolution of After-Tears Parties in South Africa
More young people are bucking tradition and mourning loved ones in their own wayTraditions aren’t static. They constantly warp and evolve with every new generation. This is especially true in South Africa, as younger generations living in urban areas have adopted a brand new burial tradition: after-tears parties. An after-tears party is a time to drink, listen to music and fondly remember a loved one who died. Some parties…
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Do Women Make Better Doctors?
Hospitalized elderly patients live longer when a female doctor cares for them, Harvard study findsA new study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine shows that women may make better doctors than men, at least some of the time. Led by Harvard professor Dr. Ashish Jha, researchers analyzed the outcomes of almost 1.5 million hospitalizations over four years, using data from Medicare. Specifically, they looked at two measures: 30-day…
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Should You Get a Second Opinion?
Why second opinions are essentialWhen a doctor tells you you have cancer (or any life-threatening illness) your natural reaction is to ask him or her, “What should I do?” You’ve just been thrown into uncharted waters, with nothing to guide you but your desire to survive. You’re devastated and panic-stricken. And so you look instinctively to the first “expert”…
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Monday Hearts for Madalene
Page Hodel creates beautiful hearts as an ongoing celebration of loveIt’s an honor for SevenPonds to share with our readers the story of the Monday Hearts for Madalene project, a true account of the power of love in the midst of death.The project’s origins take us to 2005: the moment Page Hodel encountered Madalene Rodriguez and fell “instantly, dizzyingly in love with her.” The couple’s first meeting was electric,…
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