Looking back at a life

The current issue of Time magazine has a poignant essay by Nancy Gibbs about the peaceful death of her father six years ago, surrounded by love, prayer, and pies delivered by neighbors. It's called "The Light of Death," and Gibbs reflects on how so many of us distance ourselves from the concept of death that we forget to celebrate the lives of our loved ones on the anniversary of their passing.

Removing the fear and regret from death can leave us with peace, she says. I highly recommend taking a few minutes to read this beautiful piece.

Comments

[Julie Rosen]

Debra,

Congratulations on Goodbyes, which I've really enjoyed reading. I recently wrote about a related topic - end of life wishes (in this case one that was not fulfilled) on my blog about compassionate healthcare, Bedside Manner. http://blog.healthtalk.com/bedside-manner/schwartz-center/helping-a-patient-die/

Your readers might also be interested in what should be a fascinating discussion in Worcester, MA on Tuesday, May 13 at the Hilton Garden Inn, "Compassionate and Effective Communications at the End of Life: Overcoming Barriers." For more information, check out: http://www.theschwartzcenter.org/events/index.html