-
What Is Anticipatory Grief?
People living with terminal illness face grief and loss long before death occursWhen 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…
/
-
“In Lieu of Flowers”
A poem discusses alternatives to sending flowers to the bereavedAlthough 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…
/
-
“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 onAlways 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…
/
-
“And When It Happens My Body Doesn’t Remember That You Are Gone”
The poetry of grief bleeding through everythingWhen a memory feathers through you mid-step mid-speak mid-breath and the hairs on your arms rise as if in answer to a call only your bones can hear and you find yourself standing in your kitchen or bathroom or in whatever place you have wandered into with your chest squeezed tight …
/
-
The Matsigenka and the “Were-Jaguars” of Peru
For this Amazonian people, death can bring supernatural transformationPeople of all cultures and in all regions of the world have fears about death. Some fears stem from concepts of heaven and hell or karmic retribution, while many center on the mystery of the afterlife. For the Matsigenka people of Peru, however, this uncertainty boils down to a very specific question: Will I turn…
/
-
Our Monthly Tip: Pose for a Heartfelt Memorial Photo at a Celebration of Life
Gather guests to create a moment filled with love and passionMake your celebration of life truly memorable by planning a unique group photo to mark the occasion. Along with capturing candid shots of your guests, consider going above and beyond — literally — with an overhead aerial photo. With just a bit of extra planning, you’ll end up with a frame-worthy keepsake that beautifully captures…
/
-
“Body and Soul” Art Exhibit at Bourse de Commerce in Paris
The multimedia show explores the connections between the body, life, and death by bringing together a diversity of contemporary artistsFor its “Corps et Âmes” exhibition, the Bourse de Commerce in Paris brings together 100 artworks including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and video. The multimedia show — in English, the title means “Body and Soul” — features works from over 40 artists in the Pinault Collection who come from different backgrounds. Though these artists span…
/
-
Daughter Stayed at Her Parents’ Sides Before and After Deaths
Her mother died planning her 98th birthday; soon after, her father chose his pathThis is Rachel’s story, as told in her own words, about navigating and honoring the deaths of her beloved parents — what she refers to now as a “deeply satisfying experience.” Our “Opening Our Hearts” stories are based on people’s real-life experiences with grief and loss. By sharing these experiences, we hope to help our…
/
-
Creating Powerful Connections With Music and Storytelling (Interview)
An interview with Jackie Vanderbeck, founder of Sing For Your SeniorsJackie Vanderbeck has been building connections through music and storytelling since she was a child. The daughter of a dancer, her own creative expressions and musical performances were encouraged and nurtured during her youth in Sacramento, California. By the age of 8, Jackie was actively participating in the Fair Oaks Children’s Repertory Theater (which closed…
/
Want an Easier Way to Plan a Memorial Event? Get our FREE guide
“7 Ways to Create an Amazing Celebration of Life”
