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“For the Anniversary of My Death” by W. S. Merwin
A poet ponders the world without him in itIn “For the Anniversary of My Death,” American poet W.S. Merwin muses on life and his transient place in it. The poems beings, Every year without knowing it I have passed the day When the last fires will wave to me And the silence will set out Tireless traveler Like the beam of a lightless…
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Estate of Dr. Death Includes Original Oil Paintings
Dr. Jacob Kevorkian’s estate reveals passion and pain around the politics of deathJacob “Jack” Kevorkian (May 26, 1928 – June 3, 2011) was known widely as “Dr. Death” for his highly politicized pioneering efforts to legalize assisted dying in the United States. In 1991, a judge dismissed a murder charge against Kevorkian, describing his work as “a big service” to the public by bringing the issue of…
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Our Weekly Tip: If You’re Grieving, Try Massage Therapy
A weekly hand or foot massage helps people cope with griefOur Tip of The Week: Touch can be an incredibly effective tool for people who need a sense of grounding and connection as they deal with grief. Dr. Berit S. Cronfalk, one of a team of researchers who carried out a study on grief and massage at Karolinksa Institute in Stockholm, says that gentle but firm massage…
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“The Faith Link”
A doctor explores the influence of spirituality on health—and even lifespan—in this book“The Faith Link: Scientific Proof That Your Belief Determines Your Health” (Charisma House, 2016) offers insights into the fascinating effects that one’s religious beliefs and spirituality can have on one’s health. The book’s author, the French Dr. Max Fleury, offers a valuable and well-rounded view on the matter as both a pastor and a practicing family medical…
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Ghanian Funeral Fabrics Symbolize Attitude Toward Death
Colorful funeral attire tells story of relationship to ancestorsGhanian funerals are notable for their festive nature and the fact that they are spread over several days, usually on weekends. Sometimes called “celebrations of life” or “funeral parties,” they usually include official mourning with tears profusely shed, prayers, sometimes a church service, and plenty of music, food, drink and dancing. Billboards line the streets,…
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For-Profit Hospices Discharging Patients Before Their Time
Cost savings take precedence over patient wishes, study showsAccording to a recent New York Times article, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has found that approximately 20 percent of hospice patients in the United States are being discharged from care before they die. Of this number, the article suggests, only a small percentage is due to a change in care decisions by the patient…
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Monday Hearts for Madalene
Page Hodel creates the most beautiful hearts in an ongoing celebration of loveMy Heart Will Always Leap For You! It’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…
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Kintsugi: Finding Beauty in Brokenness
Japanese ceramic art tradition highlights history and celebrates imperfectionThe 15th century Japanese art of “Kintsugi” (golden joinery) or “Kintsukuroi” (golden repair) involves the mending of shattered ceramics with “urushi” lacquer and powdered metal — most commonly gold. The central philosophy of Kintsugi is that an object is made more beautiful by its history; when it is broken through time and usage, it accumulates…
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