Artificial External Life Support is a combination of medical interventions implemented when a person is unable to breathe on their own or when the heart cannot pump blood on its own, or organs need support to function. These interventions are referred to as Life Support and they have their place in medical care. Today I explain why it's so important that we all consider whether we would want these interventions should we find ourselves in need of them but are unable to communicate our wishes....
Dec 11, 2025
9 min
At the end of life, morphine becomes an important method for pain control. As a death doula, a non-medical practitioner, my training included alternative methods for pain control and anxiety relief. The techniques can be practiced in between medication doses or in addition to them when pain or agitation or anxiety rises. One can use these methods at any point in their life span as well. With the holidays upon us, our stress levels may be rising. Take a listen and learn a new stress management...
Nov 26, 2025
26 min
I'm sharing more about doula care and how it fits in with Hospice care. I also talk about how we can avoid 'crashing into Hospice" by first acknowledging our mortality and then making a plan. It's not foolproof but can create peace of mind when everything feels like chaos. Can we live our best lives with the life we have left? The Hospice I volunteer for thinks we can. It's their tag line. I say surrender is not giving up. It can be one of the first steps to accepting our end of life so...
Nov 15, 2025
37 min
I enjoy learning about word origins and phrases. Listen in and learn about some yourself today. You already know the theme.... Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at [email protected] Facebook: While We're Still Here Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show. Reach out to me if you want the score. The logo artwork was provided by Maddie's Plush Po...
Oct 28, 2025
7 min
Once you acknowledge you will die someday, it can impact your daily life. Choices you make may be different in light of accepting that your life will end. Consider preparing for a trip. You may make airplane purchases, hotel reservations, and put together the clothing you want to bring along. I am not going to say I prepare for everything but, in most things humans undertake, there is some planning and preparation. Preparing for our death can bring peace of mind and even comfort. What about p...
Oct 14, 2025
15 min
I am happy to introduce you to John. His experiences with those at the end of life as well as families and staff who support them are inspiring. His immense compassion and wisdom makes me want to chat with him all day. He will share terrific stories and insights. 3:48 - Pain isn't only medical 34:00 Suicide is mentioned 54:00 Hope of tomorrow 103:40 Caregiver fatigue Book - "Remember Me, End of of Life Stories Through the Eyes of a Hospice Chaplain" Book - "Delayed Honor" Book in progre...
Sep 20, 2025
1 hr 46 min
I have received fabulous feedback about Ken. I am so glad we were able to talk as much as we did so that you can hear more of his thoughts on dying and death. 11:00 "I'm gonna die someday so I don't think I want to spend my time doing that" 13:30 "Acceptance that we will die is a 'ticket to life'. 26:10 Last ice cream. Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at [email protected] Facebook: While We're Still Here Starting with Episode...
Jul 16, 2025
28 min
A care home employee mentioned to me that she asks new clients "Who is Your Village?" Wow, what an eye opener for me! I have family, friends, coworkers, etc. When it comes to my time of need, Who is My Village? Who is there to keep an eye out for me, answer a call for help, or even give me a ride? If you've realized you have a village--Good for you! However, is there someone you know without a village? Do you need to be their village? Can you be that role for someone, even if you ...
Jul 3, 2025
15 min
Caution: Suicide and alcoholism/addiction are mentioned in this episode. Ken is a man who gripped me right away. His energy and thought processes are such as I had not encountered previously. We enjoyed talking together so much I divided the episode into two parts. This is Part One. 12:53 Ken paraphrases an important message from a distinguished author and claims it as his way of life. 15:33 If I'm going to live, this is my chance, or "ticket to life". https://www.nightingal...
Jun 13, 2025
1 hr 14 min
My dear friend Nan died too young. She was getting her life on a safer track only to be struck down by an unexpected work injury. We weren't always friends, but the statement above changed it all, for the better. Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at [email protected] Facebook: While We're Still Here Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Kyle Bray specifically for this show...
May 14, 2025
12 min
Load more