Tag: A Beginner's Guide to the End

Changing How You Think About Life and Death

In this post I explain the days following Halloween that remember saints and other deceased perso. This can be a chance to reflect on and prepare for our own mortality.

Updated November 10, 2025-Originally titled November’s Timely Topic

We observe Halloween as its own holiday, but it is also the “eve” of another observance.

Also known as All Hallows’ Eve, it introduces the onset of Christian religious observances remembering deceased persons.

  • All Saints Day is a Christian holiday honoring Saints who have passed on to the afterlife usually observed on November 1st.
  • All Souls’ Day, in Roman Catholicism, a day for the commemoration of all the faithful departed, usually on November 2.
  • Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration of life and death. While the holiday originated in Mexico, it is celebrated all over Latin America with colorful calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeletons), also on November 1 and 2.

Whether you observe any of these, death is a topic that has or will touch all of us and our families. I have written these blog posts that help make that life transition smoother.

Dying with Ease- a book review

Dr. Spiess doesn’t suggest that confronted with terminal illness we refuse treatment and give up. He advocates thinking about and planning for the dying process long before we develop an illness that might be fatal.

Keep reading

For personal reflection

Who do you know who is facing death soon? What are you learning from observing their experience?

How are you preparing for your own death, whether imminent or unknown? How does considering this affect the way you are living now?

Exploring the HEART of health, life, and death

I hope you don’t need to read any of these books now, but the reality is many of you do, or will eventually. People I know who have faced death with peace and confidence fare much better, as do their families. Be knowledgeable and prepared for your sake and for theirs.

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you turn health challenges into health opportunities.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

stethoscope with a heart

Dr. Aletha

“in lieu of flowers”- books to help us die with dignity

Unfortunately, death can be complicated. For some of us, a life-threatening or terminal health situation forces us to face death and if we’re wise, to prepare ourselves and our family . In other cases, unprepared families are left to deal with it while also grieving.

Call me weird, but I enjoy reading obituaries because I enjoy learning about people. Some obits revel in listing the person’s achievements-education degrees, military service medals, business positions, public and volunteer service recognition;descriptions of  exotic travel, unique hobbies, special interests, creative pursuits and talents. 

One of my favorite obits was different; simple, yet revealing a wealth of information about a man known simply as Jim (edited slightly for privacy) 

“Jim, who died at 90 years old, was born on Valentine’s Day. He grew up on a farm,  joined the Army, and  went to a state teacher’s college on the GI Bill.

There he met his wife, and they had 2 children and 5 grandchildren. He earned a master’s degree and spent his professional life as a teacher of math, science, and social studies to elementary students. After retirement, he continued working as a tutor. 

Jim enjoyed backyard gardening, walking to the library, math problems, weather reports and local high school sports. Jim always put the needs of others before himself. 

In lieu of flowers please plant a flower, a tree, or even a vegetable garden. Jim would really like that.”

Despite his obituary’s simplicity, I feel like I knew Jim, he was someone I would have liked, even having as a neighbor. Obits don’t have to be complicated and fancy, and neither does life, if Jim is any proof. 

Unfortunately, death can be complicated. For some of us, a life-threatening or terminal health situation forces us to face death and if we’re wise, to prepare ourselves and our family . In other cases, unprepared families are left to deal with it while also grieving.

I have reviewed these two books that help us and our families make dying and death less arduous than it inevitably is. They cover the practical, financial, and social aspects of dying, as well as the medical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Read them before you need them-because we all need them eventually. 

Dying with Ease- a book review

Dr. Spiess doesn’t suggest that confronted with terminal illness we refuse treatment and give up. He advocates thinking about and planning for the dying process long before we develop an illness that might be fatal.

Keep reading

exploring the HEART of health

(This and other posts on this blog contain affiliate links that may pay a small commission to this blog, while you pay nothing extra, but only if you click, look, and make a purchase. Quite a deal for us both. )

Thanks,

Dr. Aletha

Brightside-featured affiliate

Brightside Offers 4 Live Video Therapy Sessions per Month – Try Today!

THIS POST WAS FEATURED AT TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND