During the almost 17 years I have been a nurse, most of my time has been working with terminally ill patients and the elderly. If I know nothing else in nursing, I know how to care for the dying. Still, for years, I viewed death as separate, something that was ‘happening to them.’ Death and… Continue reading Death is a Certainty
The Process of Loosening
Yesterday evening, I went for a stroll along our trail, a path that loops around our property. It’s mid-March and I am getting to witness the camellia tree bloom, the rose of winter. The camellia symbolizes passion, desire, and a courageous death. I find that fascinating. I was struck with a fierce stomach bug Tuesday… Continue reading The Process of Loosening
Being 97
Today, while trying to determine a topic to write about, I came across a film titled, Being 97. It is a short documentary sharing the reflective thoughts of Dr. Herbert Fingarette, American philosopher, and professor of philosophy. It was filmed by his grandson, Andrew Hasse, during the final months of Fingarett’s life. At age 97,… Continue reading Being 97
103 Days
I don’t know if the weather could match my mood more perfectly; dreary, drab, muddy. I want to say it has rained nonstop for a month but that would be quite the exaggeration. Feels like it, though. We are coming to the end of our first winter here at Sunnyside Up. It is all a… Continue reading 103 Days
Morning Musings
We think life is so linear, a walk along the line that leads to a dark end. Nothingness. Or Somethingness. Still, the end. Where is the circle, the cycle of living? Like the moon and the seasons. Get up, walk away. Get swallowed by the day, eaten by the man-made rules. Opinions of others. Chewed… Continue reading Morning Musings
Be Death Aware to Awaken
A death awareness practice is more than accepting your own mortality. We all know we die. Maybe we don’t talk about it, but we know it. Death lingers out there, taunting us with its mystery. To be death aware and to put it into practice is to have it as a constant companion and teacher.… Continue reading Be Death Aware to Awaken
Nurse on the Go 