Death

When death looms - the signs and symptoms of final moments on earth
Death in a senior citizen, or anyone, for that matter...
Death is a natural progression of life. The truth hurts but there it is. My mom is 95 and I've been her caregiver for 4.5 years now. During a week long hospitalization for pneumonia, I had a lot of time to do some reading and writing as I watched her struggling for breath that first night in her hospital bed. The doctor in the ER had pretty much given us the word that death was looming - he gave her a 40% chance of making it through the night. So, as I wiped her brow and watched her restless...

Writing a eulogy - some things to consider
Preparing the best eulogy may well start the healing process
The very best eulogies are not read from paper but are spoken from the heart. I've had to prepare two - for my father when he died at 89 years of age and for my mother five years later (she was 95). Mom died Feb 15, 2012 so I'm obviously still dealing with the post traumatic syndrome following her death. My own path for grief is a bit different than most - you see, I was my Mom's caregiver for the past 5 years. She lived with me and she died with me, my brother, friend Sharyn, and caregiver ...

Bereavement Gifts - A Beautiful Way to Remember Those Who Have Passed
Bereavement Gifts comfort those mourning
For those of you who have followed by ramblings here on Squidoo, you know that my darling Mom, Gertie, died February 15, 2012. She went quite peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her. We walked her all the way to Heaven's door as we watched her take her last breath and finally rest in peace. I was astonished at the outpouring of emotion and praise from my friends, both near and far. One of my closest friends sent me a beautiful Tiffany style bereavement lamp. The very interesting thing ...

The long goodbye - When your job as a caregiver is ending
All good things must come to an end
This is, by far, the most difficult article I've ever written - you see, my 95 year old Mom, Gertie, is coming to the end of the road, and I'm right here by her side, where i have been as her caregiver for the past 5 years. I'm lucky to have the support of wonderful friends to help both Mom and me through this very tough time. But, watching the downhill slope of a previously vital woman is both emotionally and physically exhausting. I've learned to just give in sometimes and start my own mour...

How to Write an Obituary
Writing an obituary can be a blessing and challenge. Find here help on how to write an obituary and what to write for a newspaper funeral notice. This page Includes loving words, funeral and memorial planning, Help links, and helpful books Deepest sympathy for any loss you may be facing.

Memorial Service Help and Resources
Funeral Planning Help, including Floral Arrangements, Music & Military Service Ideas
Funeral Planning and Memorial Service Resources, such as those for Service Planning, Memorial Flowers, Casket Floral Sprays, Flower Arrangements, Grief Help after the Death of a Loved One, Helpful Books, Funeral Music and More. I hope this page will bring help and some peace to those in need of comfort. Having recently lost my father at the too-young age of 80, I empathize with anyone facing loss and/or planning a funeral, viewing or memorial service. Please know someone cares and understands.

Missing Mom - ways to cope with the death of a loved one
Whether a death is sudden or expected, missing our loved ones is just a fact of life
My sister died suddenly in a car accident when she was 36 and I was 31. Her death certainly impacted me and my family especially since it was so sudden and unexpected. My mom just died last month at the age of 95. These were two very different types of deaths yet they both have played a large role in my life. I was especially affected by Mom's death as I was her caregiver for the past 5 years and now, I'm what? I'm struggling right now to figure out exactly what I am. After my sister's death...

The Day My Mother Died
Death is Hard
Near the end of July 2003, my mother was beginning to grow weak and finally accepted my offer of assistance. She lived alone in a large, two-story house, was then 74 years old, and diagnosed with various forms of cancer over the years. First it was breast cancer that was treated and she enjoyed a good 10 years or so of remission. When it came back, it attacked her glands violently but the treatment was successful and she enjoyed another 4 years of remission. Out of the blue, in 2003, it rear...