Comments for Our Life Celebrations

Comment on Living Funeral: The Grandest Life Celebration by Lori Marx-Rubiner

Lori Marx-Rubiner — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 20:05:12 +0000

Hi Denise,While it’s been some time since you posted this piece I stumbled upon it today and I am intrigued! I’ve always been puzzled by our proclivity to set all life aside because someone has died and a funeral needs to be attended, but that we fail to do that as someone goes through the dying process. While I appreciate that not everyone has the opportunity to step back and savor a life lived, as a 48-year-old living with metastatic breast cancer, I have some measure of predictability about the end of my life. Further, I\’ve always felt it odd that people will gather after I die to talk about me – I want in on that conversation! And I want the opportunity to tell friends and family how they have enriched my life, although I try to do that on a daily basis. So as I prepare for the end of my life in many ways – and may it come decades from now – I embrace the idea of a gathering to help send me off while I\’m well enough to enjoy the company of those I love most. Since I also deeply embrace the adaptations of traditional ritual, I will be working on something along those lines for when it’s time.Thanks so much for sharing! Best,Lori

Comment on Living Funeral: The Grandest Life Celebration by Jeremy Fry

Jeremy Fry — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 14:50:13 +0000

Hi Denise – I appreciate it’s been a while since this thread was started (and finished) but I’ve just come upon it as a result of a stray thought leading to a casual web search. I’m not facing, and neither is anyone in my circle, the prospect of imminent demise (touch wood…) right now.

I was wondering if your researches had produced any examples of people who were actually opposed to the idea of normal funerals, and who issued “now or never” type invites to living services? I rather like the idea myself, although I appreciate that many may be reluctant to deny their nearest and dearest one last opportunity to remember and mourn in their absence.

Very interesting comments all round, thanks. Jeremy

Comment on Leaders Share Wisdom at the Reminiscing Corner by Shannon Sirovy

Shannon Sirovy — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:39:37 +0000

I love the video!! Well done Jay! Judith Eighmy’s story made me tear up. And I like what Robert Meyer said about sitting next to someone on a plane and changing their perception about what hospice is because that’s what’s important – changing the public’s perception about end-of-life. Great job!!

Comment on Shining Senior Care Hero Awardee by Debbie Robson

Debbie Robson — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:09:23 +0000

SeniorServ is such a wonderful organization and the award ceremony to honor senior care heros in the community was such a special evening. I was so honored to receive this award, and it was made even more special to be in the midst of our senior leadership team of Skilled Healthcare, including Boyd Hendrickson, CEO. The evening was magical! Thank you Denise for capturing the moment for me through this inspiring article.

Kind Regards,

Deb Robson

Comment on CHAPCA Award for Outstanding Program Achievement by Debbie Robson

Debbie Robson — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 05:57:40 +0000

It was such a pleasure to receive this award for the commitment and work that Denise and I have been doing over the last couple of years to make an impact at Hospice Care of the West, the community, and now be recognized by our industry. Thank you Denise for your partnership on this journey! I am continually grateful for the inspiration that comes when we work together. I am honored to receive this award with you on behalf of Hospice Care of the West.

Deb Robson
Executive Director
Hospice Care of the West

Comment on Caregiver of the Soul at the End of Life by denise

denise — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 21:10:23 +0000

Thanks for your comment Shannon! Dave you rock!! I was honored to read your living eulogy today at the Celebration!! It was fantastic to look up at you as I read your story in front of 90 people, the hospice team, and see you beaming in support. It was lovely to hear people praise you for your vulnerability and authenticity.

Comment on Caregiver of the Soul at the End of Life by Shannon Sirovy

Shannon Sirovy — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:48:48 +0000

Dave really is an inspiration! And he is probably one of the most humble men I have ever met. He is always willing to help others and it is such a pleasure working with him. I am looking forward to hearing this read at the Celebration! event.

Comment on Terry Martin’s Waves of Wisdom by Shining Senior Care Hero Awardee – Our Celebration To Life

Shining Senior Care Hero Awardee – Our Celebration To Life — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:41:57 +0000

[…] What is this nominee’s involvement in senior care or senior issues? ?Inspiring us to think differently about how we live in life’s last chapter! As Executive Director of Hospice Care of the West, Debbie Robson has embraced the philosophy that seniors must celebrate their lives and preserve their legacy of memories to pass on to the next generation. We have a blog called OurLifeCelebrations.com that is a resource for the community to be inspired to think differently about how to rewrite how we live in life’s last chapter. Hospice Care of the West has a volunteer life review video program headed by a veteran life story documentary filmmaker who video records interviews with the patient so he or she can pass on wisdom to the next generation. Check out a Life Review […]

Comment on The Power in Sharing Your Wisdom by Shining Senior Care Hero Awardee – Our Celebration To Life

Shining Senior Care Hero Awardee – Our Celebration To Life — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:41:41 +0000

[…] Reminiscing Corner videos are played at an event we call Celebration that brings together the entire hospice team to reflect, renew and celebrate life. Check Debbie at this Reminiscing Corner […]

Comment on Last Hair Cut by Our First Celebration! – Our Celebration To Life

Our First Celebration! – Our Celebration To Life — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:34:06 +0000

[…] about Nancy Johnson, our volunteer who gives hospice patients a last hair cut and style. You can read her life story here. Then I opened the microphone to our team and one by one they stood and spotlighted and honored […]