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“Angel”
A tribute song focused on remembering the angelic qualities of a mother after her deathIn 2004, the Corrs, a Celtic folk rock group consisting of three sisters and one brother, released a beautiful, upbeat song called “Angel.” The song serves as a tribute to the group’s mother, who had died five years earlier. All four siblings wrote the song as a way to honor all of the angelic qualities they…
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“Eternal Life”
Carl Dennis contemplates both in “Eternal Life”Reincarnation and ghosts are two end-of-life subjects I haven’t touched on much in this column. But Carl Dennis’s “Eternal Life” tackles both in a playful, pondering manner. This also means that he goes back and forth on his views. Initially, he maintains an optimism about the afterlife, but by the end, once he’s factored in…
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A Graphic Designer’s Brother Dies in a Plane Crash
Using her experience and design sense, one woman helps others through the stages of griefDana Shields, a graphic designer in Menlo Park, California, has used her design sense to help herself heal from the unexpected death of her youngest brother, Jeb, in 1991. Jeb was a Navy pilot who died in a classified mid-air collision just days after his 26th birthday. The classified nature of the death — and, thus,…
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What is Palliative Care at a Veteran Hospital? (Interview)
The VA Palo Alto Heath Care facility is a pioneer in providing services for Veterans who are dyingToday, SevenPonds speaks with Dr. VJ Periyakoil, an Associate Director of Palliative Care Service, VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Additionally, she is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine and the Director of Stanford Palliative Care Education and Training Program. And if she didn’t have enough on her plate already, she also directs…
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“Never say Die”
A book stating no matter their efforts, Boomers will become physically and mentally crippled by old ageI hate the thought of old age and I do my best at keeping good care of my body. “Never Say Die” by Susan Jacoby tells us that no matter how much we exercise or how many supplements we take, we will all eventually become physically and mentally crippled by old age. Yes, there may…
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Unlocking the Meaning of Dia de los Muertos
Many – I would venture to say most – Americans have heard of the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. But, many of us are still unsure of just what it means, and cultural misconceptions skew our impression of the holiday. Dia de los Muertos is celebrated in Latino…
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Casket Crafting Monks No Longer Under Fire in Louisiana
Benedictine monks win legal right to continue selling handcrafted caskets2005’s Hurricane Katrina is, sadly, old news for our media’s short attention span. And for that reason, it’s crucial that we continue to illuminate the storm’s diverse and detrimental repercussions today. The aftermath of Katrina is of Russian-nesting doll proportions; it seems that a single, targeted issue can connect to an endless array of problems.…
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A Man Immortal? Roman Funeral Sculptures
In Ancient Roman funerals, the death of a family member called for a distinct craftThe role sculpture plays in memorializing loved ones who’ve passed seems almost inherent today. Personalization thrives in our contemporary selection of memorial sculptures, where families can select anything from angels to motorcycles for a family member. But where did the connection of sculpture and memorializing take root? “Where did the connection of sculpture and memorializing…
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What is Integrative Psychological & Assessment Services? (Interview)
How a San Diego practice provides personalized, comprehensive psychotherapy to aid the grieving processToday, SevenPonds speaks with psychologist and professor Christina Zampitella, FT, of Integrative Psychological & Assessment Services (IPAS). Christina is based in San Diego, but travels the US as a professional speaker on the subject of therapy, particularly as a tool for those who are grieving. Her private group practice offers a comprehensive “ variety of…
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