While We're Still Here

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...

This is not a repeat episode but a repeat topic with a bonus - more updated information for us to consider as we age and face our end of life. While We're Still Here Episode dated 09/20/2023 "Are You Living Your Last Decade? How Would You Know That?" https://peterattiamd.com/start-here/ https://www.selfauthoring.com/ https://chriskresser.com/  988lifeline.org Send a text Listen and...

Snail mail that is. For years now, email has replaced old-fashioned "snail mail", which itself has been shadowed by the faster communication options such as texting and so on. Nonetheless, sometimes, receiving a written letter brings familiar memories. Listen to how Postal Service for the Dead helps us stay connected to ones we've lost. https://sleepysue.studio/   look up workshops...

I'm learning that I keep learning everyday. I'm sharing some of that learning today and hope to inspire you all to grab learning where you can get it. I learn professionally, of course. In my life and relationships, I appreciate the opportunities to learn because, positive or negative, there are nuggets for me to take into new situations and old ones. https://fivewishes.org Send a text L...

Here are some facts that I consider to be important reminders that we have work to do before we die.  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 this show. Reach out to me...

Dr. Mandar Kataria thinks so, and many professionals agree. In the grief space, being able to find my laugh again was a big step forward to healing. Recently in a webinar, a doula mentioned laughter yoga. I marked that in my notes. I looked it up and signed up for an online class. How was it? Listen in... https://laughteryoga.org Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com...

Susan is a woman you won't forget. Here's her story.... BUT THERE IS A WARNING: Adult topics like suicide are mentioned. Please call 988 if you or someone you share this with may be struggling and want to speak with someone who can help. This episode has so many nuggets I don't want you to miss any of them. Here is a list of nuggets I hope you can find in this episode: mamma bear, d...

I found this piece and wanted to share it with you all. Many of us are familiar with the stages of grief Dr. Kubler Ross established for terminally ill patients. What you'll hear in this episode may validate some feelings around grief.  Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Facebook: While We're Still Here Starting wi...

Standby for tears today.  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 this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush...

This won't be a deep dive into tissue and organ donation, more like a comparison to whole body donation. I have also included some facts that I believe are important and crucial to anyone considering this method of body disposition. Important links are included below: Eye donation: https://www.eyedonation.org/ https://donatelife.net/donation/organs/cornea-donation/ https://www.aao.org/eye-hea...