After Life

I’ve written about this show in the past, but truly can’t recommend it enough. It is a beautifully told, beautifully real portrayal of grief and love. Do your self a favour and check it out. 

Gobsmacked

The above was posted in the comments section after a new article about the death of a man who coached my husband while we attended Western University. The article was entitled "Larry Haylor, legendary Western Mustangs football coach, dies at 76". 

When did the word DIES become heartless or insinuate the lack of compassion? 

I am simply gobsmacked at this posting... what does this say about our society's fear of death and lack of positive death culture when we cannot even say the word in a factual sense? 

We have much work to do...

Betty White & Desmond Tutu

2021 left us in very typical 2021 fashion - deaths that seemed like a bit of a gut punch to the collective blow. Betty White brought so much joy, Desmond Tutu brought so much hope. 

I will say I was buoyed by Desmond Tutu's last act of advocacy and education. He was mourned in a plain pine box, and chose aquamation for body disposal. Aquamation is among the most planet-friendly options for burial, and more widely available/legal than green burial or human composting. I hope that many will look into this option now that Desmond Tutu died as he lived - by setting an example. 

For more on aquamation. see: https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/02/africa/desmond-tutu-aquamation-intl/index.html

And to Betty, I simply say that you for being a (imaginary) friend and I'm so pleased you now know the secret. (If you haven't heard of the beautiful story Betty's mother told her - and their shared approach to death - THIS is the meaning of death positivity! Read more here: https://people.com/tv/how-betty-white-viewed-the-aging-process-and-had-no-fear-of-the-secret-of-death/)