… Michael J. Astrue who, it turns out, is an award winning poet writing under the pseudonym of A.M. Juster. A Cancer Prayer Dear Lord, Please flood her nerves with sedatives and keep her strong enough to crack a smile so disbelieving friends and relatives can temporarily sustain denial. Please smite that intern in oncology […]
a sonnet … from the head of the Social Security Administration … Read More »
The ‘work’ of dying involves the restoration of our relationships – our relationship to ourselves … to others … to God. Luigi Giussani tells us why this is so difficult today …
on moral certainty & relationships … Read More »
A great introduction to Grieg’s grief … click the “Classical Music” category to see more.
We often best serve others through our own vulnerability, by opening up our own humanity (not by hiding behind roles) … Maria tells of how she healed a young boy through her own woundedness …
… a local blogger has put together a stunning visual tour of the Chapel of the Sorrowful Mother located at Via Christi – St. Francis, including a view of the chapel from Hynes Memorial Hospice Inpatient Center.
Chapel of the Sorrowful Mother … Read More »
… an article in the Irish Times includes a practical discussion of sedation in the seriously ill and dying. The article refers to these draft guidelines.
Tolstoy, a good death and the Irish Times … Read More »
Damien de Veuster accompanied the lepers of Molokai (Hawaii) in the 19th century. Much of what he did we would today call hospice and palliative care. Many books have been written about him and several movies describe his life. Robert Louis Stevenson defended him. His Memorial is celebrated today. After nearly two decades caring for
a presence among the lepers … Damien de Veuster … Read More »
Perry Knize tells the story of Chopin’s B Minor Waltz in her book Grand Obsession. She plays it here (in the background as the website opens). In the opening theme, Chopin has learned his closest friend has died …
Chopin’s B minor Waltz … death of a childhood friend … Read More »
… is the most important thing we do as we accompany the seriously ill and dying. We have found Frank Ostaseski’s work helpful, in particular his use of Rachel Naomi Remen’s distinctions on serving, helping and fixing.
Being present … attentive, receptive & responsive … Read More »
… The Heart of the Matter … is the theme for this year’s MedConference sponsored by Crossroads Cultural Center to be held July 16-18, 2010 in Jersey City, NJ. Please join us as we ” … explore a medical practice that takes into consideration the complexity of the needs of the patient.” For more information
Medical Care and the Person … Read More »
