Shaping Families

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

Centerpiece

Harvey Yoder

In her book, New Moon Over Slick Rock Hollow, Martha Stoltzfus writes about her experiences as a pastor’s wife and a mother of six living among the mountain people of eastern Kentucky. I was especially moved by her experience of her husband Wesley being diagnosed with leukemia after their having been married for nearly 50 years, and the solemn sorrow they went through trying to prepare themselves for the inevitable. 

VIDEO:  Embracing Aging DVD – This 58-minute documentary includes an interview with Dr. Byock, and others who share insights on aging, housing choices, facing illness, and cooperating as siblings in the care of aging parents.

WEBSITE: Dr. Ira Byock’s website

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, Others

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.

WEBSITES
Reinventing Aging website  

Beyond the News: Facing Death  

VIDEO
Beyond the News: Facing Death  – Three families tell their stories of facing issues surrounding death and dying in this 34-minute DVD. Comes with study guide.

Next in Line

Burton Buller

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.

How do you feel after you’ve volunteered to do a job—whether it is a regular assignment or a one time thing? Volunteering has many benefits—not the least of which is how it makes participants feel, along with good for the greater community. With our protracted economic problems and budget shortfalls, many are suffering. Author Steve Kiernan talks about his experiences interviewing people about volunteering and how it can bring a world of difference.

Cheese and Vegetable Strata

Jodi Nisly Hertzler offers this recipe and says, "Cheese stratas are a great way to use up leftover or stale bread. In my freezer I have an enormous bag filled with mostly heels (which my kids often refuse to eat.)". ... Here's a healthy version which is quite versatile—you can use any combination of cheeses or vegetables, leftover or otherwise.

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• Shaping Families Update - April 28
• Shaping Families Update - April 21

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