While We're Still Here

Yes! I hadn't considered this as a green option for body disposition, but it checks the boxes so far as I have learned. https://www.ohsu.edu/body-donation 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...

There are companies turning our loved ones' bodies into soil. Check it out. https://earthfuneral.com https://recompose.life https://returnhome.com 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...

Many people I speak to have asked me about the idea of a body becoming a tree.  Pretty cool concept since our collective conscience is becoming aware of greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants. Maybe this is the answer! Not so fast.... The designers of a body becoming a tree: Capsula Mundi https://www.capsulamundi.it/en/ https://www.thelivingurn.com Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://while...

How many times have we said that? How many times have we said that and still didn't do something? How many times did we miss our chance to reach out - forever?  That can be a heavy thought to have in your brain. The heaviness can lead to action: to not miss out on moments when the image of someone you are missing pops into your head and you think you should call, or text.  Send a text Listen...

Let's start talking green burial. First off, you may want to find a cemetery that follows green practices. The best way to find that is to look at the Green Burial Council website. Their directory lists certified cemeteries by their criteria, by state. https://greenburialcouncil.org/cemeteries.html Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewere...

April 16 is the day! You can complete an Advance Directive and Power of Attorney for Healthcare any day, but why not take advantage of this national day? Look for an event near you. I am planning an event in my area and I am so excited to see how many folks will attend to learn more about this important task. https://prepareforyourcare.org https://fivewishes.org https://theconversationproject.org...

Garrick is a self-described gamer. He owns an escape room in Richland, WA, called PerplEXIT. We met at a Death Cafe and have had some one-on-one discussions as well. What could a gamer add to the death conversation? Plenty, and you have to listen to get the nuance of the relationship. --Listen for two topics: Gear Fear and Acceptance. If you aren't a gamer you may think you won't learn a...

We've covered active listening, starting conversations with those who need to share, and how to keep from shutting down conversation by turning the attention to ourselves. We want to be good listeners and display care for those folks speaking to us, but, when do We get to speak and share?  Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere...

Created for people to have a somewhat more comprehensive advance directive, the Five Wishes form includes the elements of the advance directive, the health care power of attorney, a wallet card, and space to fill out special instructions. Take a listen... Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Facebook: While We're Still He...

Now that you've thought about who will speak and advocate for you should you be unable to speak for yourself, what will you include in your Advance Directive? This can be an emotional and difficult process. It's not a one-and-done document. You can and should review your AD when you have a new diagnosis or if you've learned something that has changed how you think about dying.  -Not...

So, you've decided you want to ask someone to be your healthcare proxy, agent, or POA for healthcare. Have you considered them carefully, to make sure they are the best choice? Have you chosen alternates? Listen in to find out what considerations you should make in choosing your healthcare proxy, agent, or POA.  Each state has their own name for this individual or these individuals. Check onl...

Maybe Valentine's Day (or the day after) is as good a day as any to designate your health care proxy, or at least have a conversation with whom you'd want to advocate for you should you become unresponsive, or for whatever reason unable to communicate. Learn about the Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: listen in.  Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com...

This is what I would consider to be a foundational question you'll want to ask yourself as you consider your end of life. You have options. You'll want your loved ones to know your choices: Your ideal choice, the adequate choice, and the acceptable choice, based on finances and support system. You can also choose not to choose.  Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestill...

Let's dig in and talk about the really tough topics. We've learned about thanatology, conversation, why to have one, and how to be a good listener. But what is it we're supposed to talk about?  Unless we address our own dying and death and how we would like our end of life to be, how can we talk about it with those folks who may be speaking for us some day?  Facing each day knowing...

I've been thinking about this episode for a while now, and my encounter with a stranger was what I needed to record and bring it to you. Four letters: how can four letters make up a word that carries so much power? Sometimes, this word is THE BEST word for the job. I can't deny it.  Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.c...

It sure can! We bought our son a deck of conversation starters when he was visiting over Christmas and it was fun going through some of the topics, which were light and fun. Since this show is about dying and death and having conversations about end of life, I present you with the End of Life Deck. This comes from the makers of the Death Deck. When a caregiver is building a trust relationship with...

We all go through tough times and sometimes situations seem insurmountable. Loving one another in a way they feel loved can be such a beautiful gift. If you can receive love in this way as well, that really tough situation may just seem a little less daunting. Taking advantage of the moment of sunshine, a warm smile, or something that makes us laugh can set aside the worries and heaviness - even f...

We sure had a great time together for my last interview of 2023. These women are charming, smart, thoughtful, and just a treat to have on the show. I hope you enjoy the final question of the interview. Lots more in store for 2024. Stay tuned. Podcast mentioned: Terrible, Thanks for Asking  -  https://ttfa.org End of LIfe Deck - https://thedeathdeck.com https://tumbleweird.org Send a text Listen an...

I met these two women, Sarah and Shanel, over the summer at a Death Café. While we both host/ed Death Café, their vibe is different than when I hosted. It reminds me that each person has a unique perspective to share with the world. They bring that vibe into the show, and I know you'll feel it as we talk together. Bonus: To keep this episode from being too long, I saved a little nugget from t...

I'm angry and now I feel guilty for that, because you're gone--forever. Is it wrong for me to be angry? https://bookshop.org/p/books/first-wives-club-olivia-goldsmith/8880458?aid=88272&ean=9781416562832&listref=the-book-is-probably-better-than-the-movie https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116313/ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7546362/ Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewe...

Candy Chang was in deep grief, feeling so heavy and alone. She got an idea and now it's a global movement. Check it out. Beforeidieproject.com 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 Bra...

Our old family roles can resume when we gather, even though we live our present personal lives differently. Do I want to behave like I did when I was a kid, or teenager, or young adult when I'm with my parents, siblings and cousins? No. Do I want to behave as the adult I am today? Yes! I'd like to say I showed up as the adult, but I often reverted to the younger role without realizing it...

I once again am rearranging my recording space/office/guest room in anticipation of a visit from my son. In doing this I came across a special memento I had set aside a few months back to share with you all. Since it popped out at me again I figured now would be good a time to share it.  Dave was a high school friend. I attended my first rock concert with him and our group of friends. We had good...

I haven't done this well in my younger years, but I strive to improve as I age. I will be the elderly family member one day, sitting in a corner, not engaging with the others. I don't want to become resentful and cranky. I want my family to know that I still have value. How can I begin the shift? Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilew...

I'll explain this movement to help family caregivers and be the 'eyes and ears' for Hospice. I have tremendous respect for Hospice. They helped me and taught my family and me so much when our parents were dying. I presently am a Hospice volunteer. What Hospice nurses do day in and day out, all through the night, and so much more brings peace and some comfort to the family members do...