The first time I planned a funeral, it wasn’t mine — it was my mother’s. But it was during that emotionally intense and beautiful send-off that I began quietly planning my own. That was 21 years ago. My mother left us with many gifts, but among the most enduring was the clarity and relief we […]
Borrowing for burying: Why do we make funerals such extravagant performances? Read More »
As a loving adult child, how do you get yourself and your elderly parent ready for their inevitable departure into the afterlife? Recently, my phone rang. It was the husband of an acquaintance. I was curious – what can be the reason for a call? I take it. I tell him that although I’m in
The final gift: Helping parents articulate their end-of-life wishes Read More »
On Thursday, South Africa marked a national day of mourning for the victims of the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape. Flags flew at half-mast. Government officials wore black. Moments of silence were observed across institutions. But in the small villages and towns of the province, grief had no ceremonial start or end. It began
Is mourning broken? Why it should be more than just a public ritual and minute’s silence Read More »
There are people in my circle who tell me they do not watch TV news or log in to news websites. They cite maintaining their mental well-being as their reason. Two of my nearest and dearest earn their living as journalists, one in a TV newsroom the other as a radio talk show host. I
