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“Consider the Conversation”
In early 2009, hospice worker Mike Bernhagen and filmmaker Terry Kaldhusdal of southern Wisconsin came together for a project that would become the film Consider the Conversation: A Documentary on a Taboo Subject. The project explores the 21st century American struggle with the conversation about the end-of-life. The film, which debuted in February 2011 and…
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“Gravel”
Alice Munro’s “Gravel” is both heartbreaking and consolatoryLast week I examined a short story by O. Henry, and this week, I’m looking at a story by a famous recipient of the O. Henry Award: Alice Munro. “Gravel” is a tale told from the perspective of a narrator who is now much older, looking back on events in her childhood. The climactic occurrence…
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Healing Through Wisconsin Farmscapes
From the artist’s statement: “In December of 2006, my father was diagnosed with brain cancer. This series of paintings began while we fought this enemy. After the craniotomy, while he healed, I painted. You can see my techniques slowly grow and mature throughout the series. He fought for 3 years. Except for the singular painting of my parents…
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How to help Children deal with Grief? (Interview)
Astrid Reichenbach, MA, CCLS, MFTI, is a certified Child Life Specialist working at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. She provides support for children at the hospital, whether they are long-term patients, one-time visitors, or the relative of another patient. I spoke with Astrid about her work and the ways in which children understand…
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“The Descendants”
A film that explores family dynamics, grief, and the challenges of making end-of-life decisionsAmidst Oscar buzz and recent nominations, it seems only fitting to head to the movies this weekend. I’m sure it came as no surprise to see The Artist among the nominees, but who ever thought a romantic comedy about a belching, farting, and emotionally unstable bridal party would make it amid the year’s best? …
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“If I Die” Facebook App
The “farewell message” has made its way to social networking. A new Facebook app allows users to schedule a message or messages to post to their wall after they have died. After installing the app, a person chooses three Facebook friends to be “trustees” — those who will verify the person’s eventual death. Then the person…
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“The Last Leaf”
O. Henry’s short story is full of meaningful symbolismIt’s been pouring rain outside my window all day long, leaving me stuck inside looking longingly out. Coincidentally, the story I’ve chosen to write about this week mirrors this feeling: “The Last Leaf,” by O. Henry, centers on a woman, Johnsy, who has fallen ill with pneumonia and is left bedridden. Every day she looks…
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The Labyrinthine Path through Grief
Japanese installation artist Motoi Yamamoto was born in Onomichi, Hiroshima, and worked in a dockyard before studying at Kanazawa College of Art. He now lives in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan. After his sister’s death to brain cancer over a decade ago, Yamamoto adopted salt as his primary medium. Following the symbolism in Japanese culture, salt is…
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