Go Rest High On That Mountain

Some of my friends on social media are Christian, some Atheists, some Muslim, some Buddhist, and others Wiccan, but, no matter what your beliefs, having rituals—traditions—at a time of death is helpful. Recently, a favorite uncle passed away. He was prepared. He’d been suffering for a long time, bedridden, and was ready to go. But …

Touched By a Stranger

Today my life was touched by a man I did not know. I often have occasion to drive by a veteran’s memorial park when I have errands to run or family to visit. A week ago, I noticed yellow police tape encircling the small parking area of the memorial. I knew something bad had happened. …

Death Be Not Proud

  Honor the dead. Respect the dead. Don’t speak ill of the dead. Combine these mantras, born from the superstitions of our ancestors, with a guilt-ridden Catholic upbringing, and the ensuing angst I experienced when DEATH paid a visit to my splintered, dysfunctional extended family this week was inevitable. I won’t go into the sordid …