Updated February 2, 2022. Friend and fellow traveller Mimi passed this info along. It’s a resource to help with grief, prepared by Harvard Medical School’s publishing house. This line attracted our attention: “You’ll learn that some of the things we’ve been taught about grief don’t necessarily hold true.” For example, … Read more
The favourite expression of some Anglican friends is: “the best is yet to come.” They’re referring to life after death, and it’s a very comforting thought. But for 83-year-old Scottish Margaret this has turned out to be true before then, right at the end of life, while she lives in … Read more
If ever there were an illustration of the link between politics and mortality statistics, George Floyd symbolises it. The video of a Minneapolis policeman with his knee pressed down on George’s neck, in an act that would kill him, is now infamous. It has incited riots and protests all over … Read more
Do you want two tickets to Sallie Tisdale’s talk at the Sydney Writer’s Festival? Just get in touch if you do. I’ll give them to the first who ask for them. (Go by the comment link in Good Grief – I’ll check it often until the day.) The session is … Read more
Today, like most of the world, I’m thinking about Christchurch in New Zealand where 49 people died because of an act of horrible violence. It’s a beautiful city and I’m determined to hold on to recent memories of all that is good about it: great people, wonderful walks, innovative architecture … Read more
Nearly 80,000 words later and close to completing my ‘life affirming book about death’, I’m back. With more ideas, challenges and stories of people’s experiences to share, as we talk about death. This is one: what if better architecture makes better goodbyes? Here’s something wonderful – thank you to the UK’s … Read more
Love the way these baby-boomers are rethinking the end, turning old ideas on their head, the way they always have – while making friends and tap-dancing.
“Children can experience grief and loss from a very young age. Like adults, children have their own ways of grieving. It is important to recognise that your child has feelings of grief and to help them express those feelings.” “Children are curious, so be prepared for regular and repeated questions. … Read more
A book by Su-Rose McIntyre Su-Rose says: “I began my grief journey eight years ago with the unexpected death of my only child and son, Carl – a beautiful young man, loved by many. His loss left me feeling bereft and fearful about what lay ahead…No day was ever the … Read more
I’m wondering: would I be game enough to host one of these dinners? My family are coming over for dinner tonight….. Thanks Susie P. for letting me know about this fascinating conversation starter. http://deathoverdinner.org.au/
by Rachel Thompson, Mashable. When someone you love passes away, turning to Facebook can be a profoundly helpful way of processing that loss and expressing your grief. But, for the deceased’s nearest and dearest, social media can be deeply overwhelming and upsetting in the immediate aftermath and even the long … Read more
When Elaine Searle was a young woman her beloved uncle was buried and she was shocked by how bad the funeral was. “His coffin just slid out of sight, after a few platitudes were said. There was nothing personal.” “Even though I was only in my early 20s I thought … Read more
The Conversation Project is dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. Statistics show that everything Ellen Goodman says about the American experience is the same in Australia. That is, we have the same gap between the death people say they want and the death they have. … Read more
When does grief become abnormal? And if we don’t see it in medical terms soon enough, do we lose chances to help?
“Now tough blokes like us don’t have to worry about grief because we just get on with it, right?” Anthony suggested, to nods from thirty other men huddled in the man cave. Wrong. (We weren’t exactly huddled, either. It was a balmy Sydney evening and the men were sitting … Read more