Tag Archives: death and dying

Wheels

Posted on October 4, 2018 by Barbara McAfee

Today my brother and sister-in-law are picking up Mom’s car. They will clean it up and sell it in the coming weeks.  I don’t know why this is making me so tender, but it is. Mom hasn’t driven her 2001 … Continue reading →

Posted in caregiving | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

On Being A Carrot in God’s Garden

Posted on May 26, 2016 by Barbara McAfee

My older brother Rolfe is a poet among other things. He’s also a dancer, traveler, husband, seeker, dad, grandpa, purchasing manager, and a self-described “old hippie.” Many years ago he invited me to a poetry slam at a pub in … Continue reading →

Posted in poetry, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Oh For Goodness Sake – Stand At My Grave and Weep Already!

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Barbara McAfee

Death has been visiting my life a lot in this past year. During those times, I have frequently heard Mary Elizabeth Frye’s well-known poem, “Do No Stand At My Grave and Weep.” This morning as I was lolling abed, I … Continue reading →

Posted in death and dying | Tagged , , , , , , | 29 Comments

A Blessing for Entering Hospice

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Barbara McAfee

My beloved friend Jim is nearly 92 years old. His mind is sharp and keen though his vision, hearing, and mobility are weaker every day. Jim doesn’t have a major illness. He’s just losing energy and appetite. A few weeks … Continue reading →

Posted in community, death and dying, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A Death is Born Into Your Life

Posted on November 27, 2015 by Barbara McAfee

I sat next to R. at a community sing the other night. Her mother died several months ago and she is still in the raw grief of it all. Many of the songs called forth her tears and she looked … Continue reading →

Posted in death and dying | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

When I Die….

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Barbara McAfee

I recently wrote my “death song.”  I’m in fine health, thank you. The opening lines are: “When I die, I know there’ll be singing By my friends all gathered around. As their sweet voices fade behind me, I will join … Continue reading →

Posted in aliveness, death and dying, hospice | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment