I don’t often recommend that anyone live their life by the recommendations of advice columnists but I was impressed by Amy Dickinson’s recent advice to a 12-year-old girl who was struggling with stress a year after her mother had past away. The girl’s letter was heartfelt and honest and Amy, I think, gave some tremendous advice full of comfort and thought. Below is Ask Amy’s advice:
Researchers in Boston have concluded that having discussions about end of life care with your doctor not only benefits the health of the dying but also helps the loved one during the grieving process. The researchers found that of the 332 people that tracked who had advanced, incurable cancer, only about 1/3 of them ever talked about their end-of-life care options with their doctors. Per Joe Rojas-Burke who blogged on this subject, “The discussions did not trigger depression or worry. On the contrary, the patients received earlier hospice care, reported less suffering during their final weeks and underwent fewer invasive treatments near death than patients whose doctors avoided such discussions.” The results of these findings were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
As the holidays approach, there are many of you that will be revisiting moments of sadness and loss. Family holidays and functions remind us of the good times we spent with our loved ones and often times can recreate the grief of that loss all over again. Several clinics and hospitals in the Oregon area are providing sessions for the grieving during this time of year. Below are just a few available in October.
Best Known for her work on Broadway and as Liz Matthews on the US TV Soap Opera Another World, Irene Dailey showcased her talents over three decades. Sadly, on September 24, 2008 she passed away afte
Grief is a journey not a destination. When we are forced to deal with grief and sadness caused by the death of a loved one, it is important that we find others to help guide us through the journey.
