Embracing The End

10/05/2021

The death of a snail.

Yesterday was the first time in my 32 years of living that I had ever seen a real live snail. I was overjoyed to show my two young children the new creature that neither I nor them had ever seen. After spending some time observing and appreciating I let the girls take the snail back to its home.

However things didn’t play out that way.

A four year old stomp crushed my dear snail friend under her small shoe.

I was devastated, and tears welled in my once awestruck eyes. What was just a wonder if nature is now cracked shell on pavement.

Ponder the life of this snail. Ponder the wonder of nature. Ponder the frailty and impermanence of things.

05/09/2021

To all the mothers out there who have lost children, and to all children who have lost their mothers, please allow yourself to take a day of remembering and allow yourself to grieve. This is a sacred day, a day for your heart to mourn. And for everyone else, take good care of your mama today.

What is your favorite memory of your mom?

03/06/2021

Eternal rest under the sea?

Neptune Memorial Reef is an underwater cemetery for cremated remains located outside of Miami, Florida.

Engineered by a marine biologist it is built to attract certain marine life to create a healthy and vibrant marine ecosystem. Using the angles and textures of the memorial structures this park was designed to promote coral and specific types of algae growth.

Scuba diving tours are permitted, much like taking a stroll through a beautiful cemetery on land.

Truly a unique “green” alternative to burial! Check them out at

02/14/2021

I first heard The Five Remembrances of Buddhism at a Buddhist liturgy service. I remember the first time I heard it I spent a long time in meditation crying because of it. I had never heard anything so blunt and frightening, but also so warm and comforting.

The Five Remembrances
1. I am subject to aging. There is no way to avoid aging.
2. I am subject to ill health. There is no way to avoid illness.
3. I am going to die. There is no way to avoid death.
4. Everyone and everything that I love will change, and I will be separated from them.
5. My only true possessions are my actions, and I cannot escape their consequences

I wonder- what do these mean to you? How do they make you feel both physically and emotionally?

01/29/2021

His body wrecked by ALS, my father insisted that his death, like his life, was his to control.

01/28/2021

Showcasing more beautiful cremation memorial pieces for loved ones and beloved pets. Ashes Memorial Jewellery

01/28/2021

I was just gifted Five WIshes Advance Directive plan from Death Positive DC! This document provides an uncomplicated layout and plenty of guidance on what kind of care you may want to receive if you should become incapacitated or near the end of your life.

While this document is not accepted in some states, it is a great place to start with your end of life planning. Having an Advance Directive, Living Will, and Durable Power of Attorney who knows your wishes is so, so important. This document is easy to use and covers all of the bases.

I'm excited to complete my own Advance Directive, and I hope you consider checking out Five Wishes for your end of life planning. If Five Wishes is not an accepted EOL plan in your state, you can find the proper free and printable forms for that state here: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/free-printable-advance-directives/

01/27/2021

Thoughts on Dying with Dignity laws?

Powerful letter from retired palliative care consultant Richard Scheffer.

01/25/2021

Let’s not worry about when we die, but instead prepare like any other big transition in life.

What are your worries about death? How do you think you can negate or quell them?

When your mind wanders to past regrets or future worries, pause, take several deep breaths, and gently come back to the present moment.
Worry never helps it only takes away your energy, and clear thinking, for taking the appropriate action when something happens.
You can train yourself to stop worrying by using an affirmation like, "All is well in this moment."
This affirmation reminds you that right now everything is fine, and when you are called to take an action later you have what you need to do so.
You have the strength and wisdom beautiful friends. ~ xoxo Michelle & Barb

01/25/2021

Green Burial Highlight:

is a green burial site where you or your loved one’s final resting place can be part of a beautiful prairie or peaceful forest. What better way to give back to Earth than to become part of a nature preserve?

01/23/2021

This post has had a reach of over 200,000 and has been shared over 4K times on our page.
Pls share with anyone you think needs help - this is a powerful message that we feel we all need to consider - thankyou.

If you're struggling to cope with the loss of your loved one and feel you need more support, use your postcode to search for your nearest counselling, support groups or bereavement services on our UK map http://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/find-support/

01/23/2021

01/23/2021

Beautiful and unique ideas for remembering and honoring your loved ones.

01/23/2021

What are your views on “Dying with Dignity”, or medically assisted su***de?

Personally, I’m a proponent of it, but I can understand where one has reservations or downright doesn’t agree with it. Some people feel it’s playing God or that Hospice already helps people ease into death. Drs. are apprehensive because they take an oath to act ethically, and this is a big grey area.

I encourage everyone to look into this. So many videos on YouTube discuss it, and consider following organizations like Dignity in Dying and Ohio End of Life Options who work to educate and advocate for patients right to die.

***de

01/23/2021

TW: Miscarriage

Today TED shared an article about pregnancy loss. The author shares her own experience with child loss and what we can all do to support those who are grieving.

She discusses how we can start dialog and support for those who are grieving their loss. Miscarriage is a very taboo subject that society really tries to hide and ignore. Families are left to mourn silently or “move on” because they weren’t “that far along”.
We need to do better.

You can find the article here: https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-to-end-the-silence-around-pregnancy-loss-miscarriage-stillbirth/

If you are someone who has experience stillbirth and miscarriage what do you feel you need or needed to mourn? Meal trains, prayer chains, visitors to check on you? Counseling and support groups? Community support from religious communities? Did your circle support you during your time of crisis? What would you tell those who will come after you and experience the same pain you are experiencing now?

Take care, friends.

01/23/2021

Recompose is the country’s first human composting burial option. This is one of the most affordable and all natural ways of decomposition.

Located in Kent, Washington, Recompose is the pioneer in American death care for minimal environmental impact. They have legally fought for your right to decompose the way you wish.

The process was involves natural wood chips, straw, plant materials and naturally occurring microbes in decomposition. All of this take a place in a coffin sized pod. For $5,500 all services are provided, flat fee. Loved ones have the choice of collecting the deceased soil, perhaps to grow a memorial tree or garden, or they can donate the soil to a forest.

If you are looking for a green alternative to death, this is one of the best. It has been an honor learning about this organization.

Follow them on Instagram, or go to their website http://recompose.life

01/23/2021

Another wonderful green burial cemetery.

Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum , located in Saint Louis, MO, provides natural burials on their grounds that include a rich history and beautiful landscape. Serving both as a cemetery and arboretum, you can ensure you or your loved one’s final resting place is a place of serenity.

They also, uniquely, offer flameless cremation, otherwise known as alkaline hydrolysis. This method of cremation is the greenest form of cremation possible.

This cemetery is recognized by Green Burial Council