ISN'T IT STRANGE HOW WE CRY WHEN WE'RE HAPPY AND WHEN WE'RE SAD?!

You've cried at weddings, right? At the birth of a baby? And, of course, you've probably cried at funerals, but have you ever stopped to wonder why both happy and sad events, make you so emotional? Even worse, do you often feel like you're the only one? I will impart wisdom gleaned from professional conferences, seminars, books and articles and/or I will blog my personal thoughts. Either way, I hope you check in often, so you know that your tears are never shed in a vacuum!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

THINGS HAVE CHANGED BUT FOR THE BETTER?

Prior to WWII, 80% of people died at home. Today, that figure is almost totally reversed, with most people dying in hospitals. The "medicalization" of death came in the 1940's, after the discovery of penicillin. Before that, most people were familiar with death before the age of 25. In other words, because family members died at home, other family members experienced death up close and personal. Now, the medicalization of death has led to avoidance of death. Death is "sanitized" behind curtains in hospitals and we turn over alot of the decision making to doctors, leaving family members very confused, tense, anxious and in denial. If possible, seriously look into having your loved ones die at home, in their familiar surroundings, in a very sacred space created by family members and friends.
Hanno Kirk