I grieve the ignorance I had before 2016 about the depth of racism and misogyny in those around me.
I grieve feeling secure in the future.
I grieve the days when I could solve their problems when my children were young.

Your turn.

I have not finished the book yet, so maybe John addresses this, but as I’m reading, I’m wondering if his OCD and fear of germs/bacteria was a problem while researching for the book? I could imagine it being triggering, although immersion can be therapeutic.

I really can’t relate, except maybe during Covid lockdown. Then I had the privilege to FaceTime and Zoom with friends and loved ones.

That’s why I don’t think you should forget. You can use that knowledge to build healthy boundaries; that may mean going no contact. I recommend Desmond Tutu’s book about forgiveness. I’m still a work in progress.

Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself so thank you aren’t stuck carrying stagnant negativity. I believe in forgiveness, but not necessarily forgetting.

Such a great answer that emphasizes the need for planning and having end of life conversations with those close to us.

Thank you for the gift of 25 hours of hope.

Damn it, they only ask me to identify bikes or buses.

#deathsky
#deathpositive
#grief

Great article with very attainable suggestions. Thanks for sharing.

I have a 94 year old client who says she just wants to be helpful every day. Knowing this I always ask her advice or perspective on something and be sure to thank her for her help. It really is helpful, she’s learned a lot in her life!

An informal life-review through conversation can provide perspective for how to live out the last chapters of one’s life story. We only die once, but we live everyday up until then.

Through these conversations often internalized beliefs, or even fears will emerge.

I find it helpful to discuss with people about their experiences and understandings of death throughout their life. Talking about the losses they’ve lived through and funerals they attended can open the door to thinking about their own mortality.

Death Doula and thanatologist. I love to discuss death, dying, and grief.