living well and dying with dignity
Happy 2022 to one and all. I am currently in the middle of my annual winter retreat. Celebrating my birthday (many thanks to all for the sweet wishes); tending to at-home and health projects, planning for the year, writing, and resting. After several days of snow and bluster, the weather here in northern Arizona has … Read more
As we stand here, at the beginning of the third pandemic year and the fifth pandemic wave, it is sometimes hard to remember how life used to be. For the bereaved, this time has been especially difficult as they may not have had the chance to say goodbye to their loved one or to mourn … Read more
It seems impossible that another year is wrapping up in just a few weeks. The sun’s light is waning as we approach the winter solstice and here in Flagstaff temperatures are dropping and overdue snow is on the horizon. Festive holiday lights, wreaths, and Christmas trees are making an appearance in my neighborhood. It is … Read more
In supporting folks with chronic or acute health challenges and at end of life, I find that one of the most important facets of comprehensive care is deep listening. When someone is not feeling well, caregivers cannot provide appropriate support without learning what the patient feels is most relevant, desired, and/or needed. Maintaining all our … Read more
Happy late fall, a time in our northern hemisphere for growing darkness, late harvests, and quieting in preparation for winter. There are many celebrations that call us to remember the ancestors. These include Halloween (Samhain), All Saints Day, All Soul’s Day, and Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).Thanksgiving, is a holiday traditionally about … Read more
Today is October 4th; a truly special day for many reasons. On this day, seventeen years ago our friend, Wayne, breathed his last breath after a year-long cancer journey. It is a bittersweet day for those of us who were privileged to know him. He taught us to be thankful for everything; to laugh at … Read more
Hello Further Shore Friends, Here in Flagstaff the summer monsoons have been abundant after so many years of drought. Many residents here have experienced severe flooding from the burn scars of past wildfires. Recently, driving through one of those neighborhoods, I noted the sandbags and damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles. There has been tremendous … Read more
Has there ever been a better time to engage in the wellness practice called kindness? As we face unprecedented challenges around every corner, we are often hard pressed to find happiness. Many of us are in the sandwich generation, caring for kids or companion animals, while also caring for aging parents. When we feel down … Read more
Greetings! It has been six weeks since my last blog post. Here’s a snapshot as to why the Wellness ABC’s features “J” for Journaling: On June 21st after many days of temps in the 90’s much of Flagstaff went to “Set” mode in the “Ready, Set, Go” wildfire evacuation protocol. That meant we had to … Read more
Over the years friends have asked me why I spend so much time on matters related to hospice, dying, and death when we are here to live life. My reply has evolved into this: hospice care while dying offers living the best life possible until death arrives. People giving or receiving hospice care inspires me … Read more