In recent years, growing concern over our environmental impact has caused us to focus on areas where we can “green” our lives…less plastic, more composting, more recycling, smaller carbon footprints…you get the picture. It should come as no surprise, then, that there is a growing focus on having a green death. But what does it […]

July 22, 2024

How many times have we been told not to give up hope? After all, hope is the tool that inspires us to keep going through disappointments and setbacks, through fear and the unknown. Hope is a powerful force in our lives that often leads to great things. However, people frequently misuse hope’s role at the […]

Introduction In the journey of end-of-life care, overcoming communication barriers is key. It’s a bridge connecting patients, families, and healthcare providers, ensuring that the final days are as peaceful and fulfilling as possible. However, this path is often riddled with communication roadblocks that can make an already challenging time even harder. Let’s explore how we […]

February 5, 2024

The rain lashed against the window, mimicking the storm brewing inside Amelia. Her once vibrant eyes, usually sparkling with mischief, now held a dull sheen, reflecting the fear gnawing at her core. Her biggest fear was about to come true: the fear of dying alone. Amelia, like many facing their mortality, dreaded the thought of […]

Navigating grief during the holidays can make what is already an overwhelming time of year seem debilitating. Even if the loss occurred 10 years ago, holidays are forever changed after a loved one has died. The most important thing in working through grief is to remember to treat yourself with compassion. While avoiding grief in […]

November 29, 2023

In the vast tapestry of human experiences, the subject of death has been shrouded in whispers, relegated to hushed conversations. For many in Minneapolis and beyond, the end of life has historically been a topic fraught with fear and misunderstanding. Navigating life’s end, it’s clear: death needs understanding and open conversation. The “Death Positive” movement […]

Stepping into the lives of individuals at their most vulnerable and uncertain phase – the end of life – is often challenging. This phase echoes life’s inception, marked by vulnerabilities and mysteries, yet differing in one significant aspect. While the presence of healthcare professionals at the beginning of life sparks joy and anticipation, their necessity […]

August 7, 2023

Smile though your heart is aching Smile even though it’s breaking -Nat King Cole, Smile When asked what the opposite of grief is, I think most people would respond “joy.” I know I would have prior to my mom’s death. It makes sense – you’ve just experienced this tremendous loss that, at the time, feels […]

“You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can; not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.” ~Dame Cicely Saunders Life in Minneapolis, and by extension, the broader tapestry of Western society, has always been shaped by […]

May 17, 2023

“Grief is in two parts. The first is loss. The second is the remaking of life.” ~Anne Roiphe Mom and I at a butterfly garden. You know how we always ask little kids “what do you want to be when you grow up?”? Responses tend to be along the human service spectrum – doctor, lawyer, […]