While We're Still Here

Ty Gipson describes his idea of No Options, a topic he presents to many groups all over the country. When going through tough times it may seem we have no options, but Ty tells us how he manages those tough times.  Facing needing organ transplantation multiple times, Ty is the picture of resilience and toughness. Not in a hard-edge way, but a toughness to push through and inspire others. He shares...

You are in for such a treat! Grab your cuppa and get ready for Jon Ray, a former Marine pilot who found a unique way to do what he loves: flying and serving.  I almost don't want to tell you before you listen. You won't be disappointed. Jon Ray flew U.S. Presidents and staff, ran Marine missions, and commanded a fleet. That's just a taste of the life Jon has experienced. You will be...

How do you choose the doula that's best for your person? You find some doulas in your area, make the connection, and begin to discover which one will fit your needs. I'll go through several questions to ask.  If you want a more comprehensive list, email me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.com or click the Send Me a Message button Have questions? Send me a message! Listen and read my blog: htt...

Created in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria, Laughter Yoga uses intentional laughter and yogic breathing as an 'uplifting and powerful wellness practice". Dr. Kataria notes that aside from lifting the mood, laughter yoga also lowers blood pressure.  Dr. Kataria notes 5 pillars of laughter yoga: check them out here:  https://laughteryoga.org/about-us/what-is-laughter-yoga/ Have questions? Send m...

How do you wish to be remembered? You don't have to wait until you're dead before the important people in your life hear your thoughts. I shared some of mine in this episode and, yes, there are tears.  Merriam Webster has the definition, but the two people I have quoted in this episode can bring the meaning of legacy to a more personal level.  https://thelegacytexas.com/what-is-a-legacy/...

A new friend named Anneliese says "Yes!".  Have questions? Send me a message! Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com   Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Facebook: While We're Still Here Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. ...

My Scottish heritage was in full display at this funeral, complete with bagpipes and kilts. The folks I had wanted to see were there, save a couple, and the conversations were lively and fun. I also learned some things about grief, family, and active listening.  Amazing Grace on bagpipes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5PZX5ZXO88 Have questions? Send me a message! Listen and read my blog: https:...

Dr. George J. Taylor is an expert in palliative care medicine. He has written many texts. Our discussion relates to his most recent publication, A Caregiver’s Guide to Palliative Medicine. He explains how we can use medications to achieve pain control, when to start Hospice care, the difference between dependence and addiction, and longevity vs quality of life.  https://www.amazon.com/Caregivers-G...

A brief update. I didn't want to start publishing episodes with no warning. I have a terrific interview to share with you coming up very soon.  Have questions? Send me a message! Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com   Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Facebook: While We're Still Here Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produce...

Artificial External Life Support is a combination of medical interventions implemented when a person is unable to breathe on their own or when the heart cannot pump blood on its own, or organs need support to function. These interventions are referred to as Life Support and they have their place in medical care. Today I explain why it's so important that we all consider whether we would want...

At the end of life, morphine becomes an important method for pain control. As a death doula, a non-medical practitioner, my training included alternative methods for pain control and anxiety relief. The techniques can be practiced in between medication doses or in addition to them when pain or agitation or anxiety rises. One can use these methods at any point in their life span as well. With the h...

I'm sharing more about doula care and how it fits in with Hospice care. I also talk about how we can avoid 'crashing into Hospice" by first acknowledging our mortality and then making a plan. It's not foolproof but can create peace of mind when everything feels like chaos.  Can we live our best lives with the life we have left? The Hospice I volunteer for thinks we can. It&apos...

I enjoy learning about word origins and phrases. Listen in and learn about some yourself today. You already know the theme.... Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Facebook: While We're Still Here Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for th...

Once you acknowledge you will die someday, it can impact your daily life. Choices you make may be different in light of accepting that your life will end. Consider preparing for a trip. You may make airplane purchases, hotel reservations, and put together the clothing you want to bring along. I am not going to say I prepare for everything but, in most things humans undertake, there is some plannin...

I am happy to introduce you to John. His experiences with those at the end of life as well as families and staff who support them are inspiring. His immense compassion and wisdom makes me want to chat with him all day. He will share terrific stories and insights.  3:48 - Pain isn't only medical 34:00 Suicide is mentioned 54:00 Hope of tomorrow 103:40 Caregiver fatigue Book - "Remember Me...

I have received fabulous feedback about Ken. I am so glad we were able to talk as much as we did so that you can hear more of his thoughts on dying and death.  11:00 "I'm gonna die someday so I don't think I want to spend my time doing that" 13:30 "Acceptance that we will die is a 'ticket to life'. 26:10 Last ice cream. Send a text Listen and read my blog: https:...

A care home employee mentioned to me that she asks new clients "Who is Your Village?" Wow, what an eye opener for me!  I have family, friends, coworkers, etc. When it comes to my time of need, Who is My Village? Who is there to keep an eye out for me, answer a call for help, or even give me a ride?  If you've realized you have a village--Good for you! However, is there someone you k...

Caution: Suicide and alcoholism/addiction are mentioned in this episode.  Ken is a man who gripped me right away. His energy and thought processes are such as I had not encountered previously. We enjoyed talking together so much I divided the episode into two parts. This is Part One. 12:53 Ken paraphrases an important message from a distinguished author and claims it as his way of life.  15:33 If...

My dear friend Nan died too young. She was getting her life on a safer track only to be struck down by an unexpected work injury. We weren't always friends, but the statement above changed it all, for the better.  Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Facebook: While We're Still Here Starting with Episode 56, the epis...

Nicole is the Bereavement Coordinator for Chaplaincy Hospice. She explains the services offered, community outreach, and support for families. We covered so much in this interview. Take a listen.  22:00 Who can utilize Bereavement Services?  39:30 Normalize death 61:06 Contact Tri Cities Chaplaincy and Cork's Place 509-783-7416 (ext 3006) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/98651688-where-did...

Hello! During my time off I have continued learning, and the learning included the benefits of reflection. Not rumination - Reflection. Reflecting on experiences or conversations can spark an idea or emotion. These reflections may propel you forward. They could teach you a different way of thinking or behaving. They can also open a window that had long been closed. Listen to my reflection about my...

After a break since July, I am happy to say I have made adjustments in my life and I want to continue our death conversations. I have an interview coming up I know you'll enjoy. This is what I want to do. I want to share with you all the things I hear about dying and death. Can we talk?  Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.c...

I am not saying goodbye today. I am saying so long for now. I didn't realize how quickly this day would arrive but here I am. Please reach out to me through my email or Facebook or LinkedIn. I'll be around in one form or another. Pausing feels right. I hope you understand. Have a question or topic you'd like to explore? I'm still here....  While We're Still Here (Facebook)...

Boy, what a tough few days I have had. There has been a lot of emotion churning inside me. I'll let you listen, but here are some key points in my mind that I want to get across to you: 1. We hope to always have our memories, and therefore we buy things to memorialize special occasions or events, hoping that somehow the stuff will allow us to recapture the feelings from that event or occasion...

They're coming. We can't stop them. Change happens. How will you face change? Winds of Change, song by The Scorpions Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Facebook: While We're Still Here Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for th...