Category Archives: end of life

The Presidio Pet Cemetery: A Resting Place for Furry Friends

Olivia Allen-Price from KQED (thanks to Bob P.) Tombstones at the Presidio of San Francisco Pet Cemetery in San Francisco on Oct. 16, 2024. (Martin do Nascimento/KQED) View the full episode transcript. San Francisco has long been a tough place to … Continue reading

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I Sang at Hundreds of Funerals. This Is What I Learned About Grief.

Singing not only helps allow it to move through the body but it alchemizes what grief can become. By Lauren DePino in the NYT Magazine Since I first started singing as a little girl, I yearned to become some incarnation of … Continue reading

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To Be In Awe

Thanks to Diane S. What gives you a sense of awe? You might imagine standing on a wide-open plain with a storm approaching, or holding the tiny finger of a newborn baby. That word, awe – the feeling of being … Continue reading

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Research study mapping the brain at UW

Ed note: I was contacted by the UW researchers who asked me to post this information. Participants will be paid for the visits and travel  costs will be covered.  If you are interested in learning more about  the Brain Map … Continue reading

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Honored By the Post Office, Alex Trebek Gets His Own Jeopardy Themed Stamps.

Ryan Chilton Jul 26, 2024 Thanks to Pam P. In a fitting tribute to a television icon, the U.S. Postal Service has honored Alex Trebek with a special sheet of commemorative stamps that beautifully capture his legacy. Trebek, who was … Continue reading

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Psilocybin Therapy in Palliative Care | An EOLWA Update 

The landscape of psychedelic-assisted therapies, particularly psilocybin, is undergoing significant transformation, especially in the context of palliative care. End of Life Washington (EOLWA) has advocated for the inclusion of psilocybin as a therapeutic treatment for seriously ill patients. Research and … Continue reading

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For Biden, a Race Against Time

By Maureen Dowd Opinion Columnist, reporting from Washington in the NYT When my mom got into her 80s, we had to deal with periodic medical issues. Fainting. Falls. Broken bones. Luckily, she was in good stead with the local rescue squad … Continue reading

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What Deathbed Visions Teach Us About Living

Thanks to Tim B. By Phoebe Zerwick in the NYT Magazine Chris Kerr was 12 when he first observed a deathbed vision. His memory of that summer in 1974 is blurred, but not the sense of mystery he felt at the … Continue reading

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Consider this letter to Senator Jamie Pedersen

House Bill 2166 (with revisions) recently passed the House unanimously (97-0). This bill allows our POLST forms to be placed in a statewide registry, so that our POLSTs can rapidly be retrieved by 911 responders or emergency rooms. Oregon has … Continue reading

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The three most important things – Irvin Yalom

“Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.” – Irvin Yalom Irvin Yalom is an author, teacher and practicing psychiatrist. He has … Continue reading

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My Father Didn’t Want to Live if He Had Dementia. But Then He Had It.

By Sandeep Jauhar Dr. Jauhar is a cardiologist who writes frequently about medical care and public health. He is the author of “My Father’s Brain: Life in the Shadow of Alzheimer’s.” From the editor: Please see my comments at the end … Continue reading

Posted in Dementia, drugs, end of life | 1 Comment

“The In-Between: Unforgettable Moments During Life’s Final Moments” by Hadley Valhos

In the NYT’s Magazine (Thanks to Tim and Tony) A decade ago, Hadley Vlahos was lost. She was a young single mother, searching for meaning and struggling to make ends meet while she navigated nursing school. After earning her degree, … Continue reading

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I don’t want CPR; will anyone listen?

By Jim deMaine Special to The Seattle Times published Saturday September 23rd I’m 85 years old and am in reasonably good health considering my age — mild hypertension, cured prostate cancer and macular degeneration. It’s been a wonderful life and I … Continue reading

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Resources for discussing and documenting end of life choices

Here are the references in the handout at the October 10th “Speaking of Dying” talk

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Slides from “Speaking of Dying Presentation”

Click on this icon to enlarge Here are the slides presented yesterday by Dr. Kate Brostoff. The full presentation will be on CareMerge within two weeks. Also these slides will be available on CareMerge under documents from the Health Care … Continue reading

Posted in end of life, Health, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

I don’t want CPR; will anyone listen?

Ed note: For more about advance care planning for serious illness, please attend a special showing on October 10th at 3 PM in the MBR of the documentary “Speaking of Dying” ; followed by discussion and Q&A with Kate Brostoff, … Continue reading

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In Flanders Fields

The poppy’s association with the fallen began with this poem, written after a WWI battle in 1915.

Posted in end of life, Military, Remembrances, War | 1 Comment

Legislation to improve access to the Death with Dignity act

Thanks to Barb W. From End of Life Washington: WE DID IT! The State House of Representatives passed ESSB 5179, our bill to improve access to the Death with Dignity Act, with a vote of 53-43. With this vote, critical … Continue reading

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Pioneers in Aging – Speaker Series (on-line)

Click here to register for these events

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Aggressive Medical Care Remains Common at Life’s End

Ed note: This article reminds us to check and see if our POLST Packet is up to date (the POLST, medical information and durable power of attorney for health care – DPOA-HC). If you’re looking for an excellent book, consider … Continue reading

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Action alert for EOL Washington

        One more action to go, and we need your help! The hearing for SB 5179, Protecting Access to Medical Aid-in-Dying, in the House Health Care & Wellness Committee is Monday, March 6, at 8 a.m. PT.  … Continue reading

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Dr. Leonard Cobb, co-founder of WA’s first Medic One, dies at 96

Ed note: At Skyline we remember Leonard for his gentle manner and inquisitive mind. He dealt with his failing health with quiet acceptance and kept his smile and sense of humor until the end. We sorely miss this man who … Continue reading

Posted in end of life, Health, Obituaries | 1 Comment

Is suicide ever rational?

Excerpt from Facing Death: Finding Dignity, Hope and Healing by Jim deMaine Beyond the protocols for Medical Assisted Dying (MAID) and Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED), some argue that suicide may, at times, be rational. This is a difficult … Continue reading

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How Do You Serve a Friend in Despair?

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources. I’ll post a follow-up piece that I’ve written called “Is Suicide Ever Rational?” By David Brooks … Continue reading

Posted in end of life, Grief, Mental Health | 2 Comments

Pro or Con – make your opinion known

EOL Washington has proposed legislation to improve Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) care and access. See below.

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