The Last Taboo Blog

I think the way death is presented in our culture is so interesting. A while back, I wrote about understanding the cultural differences around death. Some traditions, like visiting the cemetery, used to be a regular occurrence, back when cemeteries doubled as places to socialize, get out in nature or just take a walk and reflect. [...]

Jaweed Kaleem, a reporter for the news website and aggregated blog, The Huffington Post, may be the first reporter in the nation assigned to cover the “death” beat.

Everyone has a story about someone they know who failed to plan for the end of their lives – and left their loved ones struggling with difficult decisions at one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

The relatives have all gone home. The kids are going back to school. The holiday season is officially over. All that’s left is to decide what to do with those scented candles, golf neckties and socks with toes.

But there is one very important gift that may not have been on your list this year – either on the list of things you wanted or the things you wanted to give: the gift of planning… specifically, end-of-life planning.

One of the benefits of leading DeathWise is being able to hear people’s stories. This week alone, two friends were wrestling with the deaths of loved ones. Hardly a day goes by without someone asking for advice, recommending a book, movie or article or simply sharing a personal experience.