Hospice Care
The Wonder of the UP
The Wonder of the UP The fun of winter along Lake Superior while connecting with friends and students Last week we returned to Houghton MI; our first visit with the freedom to simply enjoy and experience the area . Of course we drove past our recently sold home, and were pleased to see that it is…
Read MoreUP Bound
UP Bound Heading to Houghton/Hancock The past two years here in Door County, WI, have been both extremely busy as well as transformative. Finally, this past spring, we began to feel settled in our new home, and to put down roots. Our home in the UP sold, which freed us from the responsibility for it’s upkeep…
Read MoreOur Touch, Our Light
Our Touch, Our Light Love through touch I have been away from my hospice nursing job for several weeks, since I changed my status to working less regularly. It’s been a transformative few weeks, and I look forward to focusing on my end-of-life consultation more fully. But I did work this last weekend, venturing out to…
Read MoreAs We Begin This New Year
As we begin this new year Loss and grief at the holidays The holiday season is coming to a close. As we begin our new year, many people feel relief to return to their own lives and schedules. These weeks of family and friends, festivities and excessive food and drink makes our usual lives feel…
Read MoreThe New Definition of Aging and Decline
The New Definition of Aging and Decline 100: The New 80 I recently had the pleasure to participate online in a wonderful webinar series that was offered as a gift to any interested. Dr. Karen Wyatt, MD, hosted the End-of-Life University (the link is below). She has continued to graciously share the interviews with expert…
Read MoreThe Inner Work of Dying
The Inner Work of Dying Our connection deep within as our guide My work with families at the end of life brings me intimately into their walks through this world and from it. The discussion of the work that is involved in the dying process includes the physical symptoms of pain, weakness, shortness of breath,…
Read MoreRenewal
Renewal Home and Nature I find myself struggling to keep my passion for writing, for sharing, and for beauty flowing freely. I wonder why any job feels it is appropriate to demand my focus rather than to promote a healthy lifestyle that will radiate back to my worklife. I am scheduled to work ten hour days,…
Read MoreBoundaries
Boundaries True caregiving: myself I’m exhausted today. Mentally, physically, and especially emotionally. It has been a tough two weeks as I integrate the demands of my new job into my life. The problem is, I’m not willing to do that. In fact, I wonder what is wrong with nursing as a profession; I have encountered the “hazing”…
Read MoreDeath and Dying
Death and Dying A return to hospice nursing I love death, dying, and the process of letting go of the physical. I know that sounds bizarre, but I truly do love these topics. I just spent the last week with others of like mind, reconnecting to end-of-life care with other nurses, social workers, and chaplains.…
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