August 24 2020

Continuing below is the second part of a piece I wrote for the August 6 through 12 Centre County Gazette on this month’s theme of “What Fills Your Soul?”

I’ve had the great privilege of being present for many loss and end-of-life conversations and have been amazed by the wisdom, authenticity, and courage present in the participants. And in these days of social distancing and its many consequences, I’ve seen and heard stories about how, as (Parker) Palmer says, “the soul is tough, resilient, resourceful, savvy, and self-sufficient.”

I’ve seen families come together safely in-person and remotely to honor a loved one. I’ve seen hospice patients connect with their families through video conferencing. I’ve seen immensely personal sharing in virtual grief-support break-out rooms. I’ve also seen Death Café conversations that filled souls, retirement community visits through windows, and virtual remembrance circles that brought healing to family relationships.
(First printed in August 6 through 12 Centre County Gazette)

Our souls can be filled in countless ways.