New updates to website coming soon!
It seems forever since I’ve posted anything new, or relevant, for quite some time. Stay tuned for a updates! In the meantime, big love coming your way. Kate
Entries by Kate Riley
How U.S. Ratings of Nursing Homes Mislead the Public
While so many people don’t talk about death, I wonder how many people are misled in their investigative searches for the perfect place for mom or dad. I recommend reading this article before making a decision. (NY Times 03/13/2021)
Hummingbird Lessons by Jessica Zitter, M.D.
A beautiful story authored by Jessica Zitter (JAMA 1/2021) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2774837?fbclid=IwAR0-7yi5XTuFeX118CnhlJXdwt9NxqVrWbw0mna7vwPjPhgFxan24wbgSfQ
End-of-Life Planning is more urgent now than ever!
I urge everyone to read the following article. It’s great advice! Stats reveal: Some 63% of adults in the U.S. – have not made formal plans for what they would want their critical care and, if it comes to it, their deaths, to look like. We are living in the time of COVID. Pay attention! […]
Ventilators in the time of COVID-19
You Need a Ventilator My father was on a ventilator (2007), and against his will. He ended up having a tracheostomy, something he would never have wanted. I do want to make a comment about something in this article — about not being able to speak (yes), but in the case of my father, he […]
Daughter creates beauty in the midst of grieving her mother’s death
Wow! This artwork is incredible! https://www.wral.com/beauty-in-grief-durham-woman-creates-100-days-of-art-from-her-mother-s-funeral-flowers/18933153/?fbclid=IwAR2QfRACEVGRNta41i1zsXb5heLYBJpylPWHhlzzpmW2YVHajBNOOkGeP9A#.XkTpDBLeido.facebook
Green Burial
A good reminder, we do have other options! The Emotional Wallop of My Friend’s Green Burial
I’m back!
Greetings! Wow, I left Spain a week ago today. The hills in northern Spain were green and alive. The Spanish people alive, passionate. I formed new friendships, people from around the world. My Camino was done in the rain, which I learned to love. I scattered ashes at the end of the world — Finisterre. […]
Surgery for Blocked Arteries Is Often Unwarranted, Researchers Find
NY Times (November 16, 2019) article. I highly recommend taking a close look at your options, should the need arise. The “typical” intervention may not be the one for you. Investigate before making any decisions. This is your HEART! https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/16/health/heart-disease-stents-bypass.html
Reclaiming death…
Well said! https://www.bbc.com/ideas/videos/dying-is-not-as-bad-as-you-think/p062m0xt
YES! A Good Death – upcoming event in Seattle!
YES!! Another fantastic line up! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yes-presents-a-good-death-tickets-73897705025
Re-imagining and greening the end of life – upcoming event!
For all of you in Marin County, or nearby…this panel looks great! https://conference.bioneers.org/reimagining-and-greening-the-end-of-life/
Stephen Colbert and Anderson Cooper on Grief
Excellent discussion here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB46h1koicQ
Undecided about what to do with your body after you die?
This article explains the difference between two common choices. However, there are more. Stay tuned for updates. Check out my Resource page. Also, please feel free to email me should you have questions or need immediate assistance. htmhttps://www.agingcare.com/articles/5-essential-differences-between-a-burial-and-a-cremation-service-186624.htm
Death midwives know a lot more than you think.
Know your rights! Great article here. https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinseatonjefferson/2019/08/21/deathwives-death-cafes-and-death-doulas-learning-to-live-by-talking-about-death/#5eba82a7680e
Estrangement in any family can be challenging. But why grandparents?
I witnessed firsthand a situation where a grandmother was refused further engagement with her young grandchildren. Their mother made the decision based on an unresolved conflict that had nothing whatsoever to do with her children. It is complex, and I must ask: Who are the ones affected the most? Maintaining A Relationship With Grandkids Amid […]
Living in the Mystery after a cancer diagnosis.
The following is a story I wrote, as a tribute to my mother, Vee. It was immediately following her cancer diagnosis and was published in The Sun, a weekly paper here in the Wood River Valley. I know people now who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis and feel compelled to post it. May you […]
These three vicars are experienced with death…and they’re FUN. Sometimes we simply need to lighten up. What would it be like to meet your own death?
BBC – interview with 3 vicars. God, where is my dad? The Reverend John D. Riley would have loved this! https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0007qb0
A Tribute to Vee!
September 7, 2019 Five years ago, Vee’s soul soared out of here like a shooting star. That was precisely her wish. For those of you who didn’t know Vee, she was my mother. As she neared the end, we planned. All went relatively well, considering. After she was gone, I bathed and anointed her body, […]
Greg Wise on loss, love and why we need to talk about death
“You need a village to help someone die. Greg Wise Greg Wise on loss, love and why we need to talk about death – an interview with Krishnan