This Week's Program
End of Life
“There’s never been more old people than young people on the planet, but there will be very soon. … We need to make some cultural progress about recognizing that human life entails a period of illness and physical dependence and dying.” -- Dr. Ira Byock
Sometimes it feels like our culture pretends that we don’t grow old and death doesn’t exist. This week on Shaping Families we look at the often ignored topic of death and dying, how to face end-of-life issues with others and yourself. We’ll talk with one of the world’s foremost doctors and thinkers about end-of-life issues, Dr. Ira Byock.
Listen - Transcript - Study Guide
Continue ReadingMy Turn
Centerpiece
by Harvey Yoder
I don’t often come to tears from reading a book, but as I read and reread her description of his death, I found myself sobbing. In part it was from empathy for Martha’s grief over her beloved's passing, but it was also because I was shaken over what it would be like to lose my own Alma Jean, my best friend and spouse of over 45 years.
Continue ReadingThis Week's Resources
Video
Embracing Aging. Third Way Media’s documentary featuring Dr. Ira Byock
Online
EmbracingAging.com
Books
The Four Things that Matter Most – Dr. Ira Byock
Dying Well – Dr. Ira Byock
Living Fully, Dying Well: Reflecting on Death to Find Your Life’s Meaning – Dr. Ira Byock, and others
Related Resources
Books
The End-of-Life Handbook: A Compassionate Guide to Connecting with and Caring for a Dying Loved One – David B. Feldman
Reinventing Aging - Book and video curriculum designed to help congregations, small groups, families and individuals prepare for and change the way they view aging. .
Video
Beyond the News: Facing Death - A 34-minute video with study guide. Three families tell their stories of facing issues surrounding death and dying.
Website
Beyond the News: Facing Death website contains many resources for futher exploring issues of dealing with death, grieving, the importance of community, etc.
Burton's Blog
End of Life
There’s a kind of shudder that goes through the soul when your parents die. At least it did mine. For me, as the oldest child in the family, it places me next in line. With my mother gone, the buffer between me and eternity is rapidly disintegrating.
Continue ReadingNext Week
Favorite Family Recipes
Down to Earth Granola
Kimberly offer this granola recipe which she first ate at Crooked Creek Christian Camp in Washington, Iowa during a staff retreat. She says: “I enjoy this as my morning cereal; however, my husband prefers to sprinkle it on top of his traditional oatmeal.” Either way, it’s a nutritious way to start the day.
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Current Offer
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