12 Comments
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Kathleen Conroy's avatar

Thanks, Bill. Although I have a plan in writing, after reading your loving story about Merle, I need to revisit it. Also, I did not know Nancy was a death doula...such an important piece of information.

Bill Mitchell's avatar

Thanks for chiming in, Kathy. See Nancy Mehlem's comment above about asking Nancy Kendrick to do a session at the Paulist Center about her work.

Bev Young's avatar

My sincerest condolences to Carol , you, and all the family. I love that it took 16 years to find the fitting place for Merle's ashes. It is my belief, having started this journey of grief, that rushing to cremate/bury a loved one , truncates the due grieving process for those left behind. In our rushed society, we are missing an intricate part of living, which is to honor our dead loved ones. The Jewish Sheloshim comes close...Thank you for this intimate sharing.

Bill Mitchell's avatar

Thanks, Bev. We took a bit longer than the traditional Sheloshim (https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/sheloshim-the-first-30-days-of-mourning/), but grief is definitely a experience that unfolds over time.

beth kress's avatar

What a great story! Beautiful, and well told. I loved the simplicity of your process.

Bill Mitchell's avatar

Thanks, Beth.

Nancy Mehlem's avatar

Thanks, Bill for yet another inspiring story. It urged me to research the differences between palliative care and a death doula; which was a new concept to me. I had no idea that Nancy Kendrick functioned in that role & made me think we might have her offer a presentation to our PCC in the fall.

Bill Mitchell's avatar

That's a great idea, Nancy. Here's a better url for Nancy's work than the one I used in the email version of this post: https://www.deathjourneyguidance.com/.

Chris OKeeffe's avatar

A great piece, Bill. I love a good cadaver story.

Bill Mitchell's avatar

Thanks, Chris. Me, too.

Howard Finberg's avatar

A very nice story, Bill. Kate and I have started similar conversations about "end times" and what that means -- the practical and the spiritual. Being alone will make it harder for the surviving partner but friends, we hope, will still be around.

Bill Mitchell's avatar

Thanks so much, Howard. We miss you and Kate. Hoping your travels take you this way before long...