By Patrick O’Brien for Next Avenue Your will may be the most important document you’ll ever write. Problem is, after many of us draft one, we put it somewhere for safekeeping…
A Dying Fish, A Son’s Wish
By Marc Silver for Next Avenue This is a story about an unlikely mix of topics: running, music, mothers, aging and a stranded blowfish. I was on an early morning run…
How to Avoid Compassion Burnout
By Patricia Corrigan for Next Avenue Caregivers, both professional and personal, often suffer from compassion fatigue — a syndrome also known as “secondary trauma stress.” But navigating any close, personal relationship also can…
When a Parent Dies: Ways to Help Yourself and Your Surviving Parent
By Amy Florian for Next Avenue Not too long ago, a dear friend’s dad suffered a major heart attack and died. At the funeral, there was little time for more than a brief…
Creating a New Life as a Widow
By Barbara Rady Kazdan for Next Avenue After losing my husband 10 years ago, I joined a bereavement group. At the final session, a few of us decided to meet monthly for lunch.…
Childhood friends, Vietnam Vets enjoy one more lunch together
From the grade school playground to the jungle in Vietnam, Farmington residents John Hastings, Clifford Barnes and William Allen share memories that span a lifetime. They recently had the opportunity…
Addressing Loss on Social Media
By Mark Ray for Next Avenue When Carla Sofka’s mother died just before Thanksgiving 2017, Sofka didn’t immediately post the news on social media. She was busy planning the funeral, making travel arrangements…
When Families Keep the Truth From Their Dying Loved Ones
By Larry Patten for Next Avenue (This is a personal essay by retired pastor Larry Patten, who now works in a Fresno, Calif., hospice facility.) Answering the innocent question of…
Providing compassion, being real
By Greg Schmidt, hospice chaplain One recurring discussion I find myself in involves what it takes to work on a hospice team. The conclusion generally has something to do with…
How to Beat the “Heat”
By Greg Schmidt, hospice chaplain It’s July in Kansas, and the heat is real. What is the best way to “beat the heat?” Obviously, you should look for a vacation…