Author Archives: Celeste Willis (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

“Last Kiss” by J. Frank Wilson and Cavaliers

A teenage tragedy song from the 60s speaks to a hope for reunion

“Last Kiss,” performed by J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers, is one of the most popular songs in the teenage tragedy genre that was wildly popular in the late 1950s and 1960s.  DJs often referred to these tunes as “tear … Continue reading

Posted in Expressive Music | Leave a comment

A Sustainable Funeral Director Offers “A Ferrari for Every Funeral”

An Interview with Susanne Duijvestein explores the healing power of truly personalized funerals

In 2017, after 11 years of working in the financial sector, Susanne Duijvestein decided to follow a new path. Susanne is now a funeral director, who specializes in sustainable, non-traditional funerals. Since starting her company, Bij Afscheid, she has helped … Continue reading

Posted in Professional Advice | Leave a comment

My Loved One Attempted Suicide. What Now?

Treating the attempt as a medical issue may help to better support those in crisis

The aftermath of an attempted suicide can be fraught with tension, emotion and fear. Loved ones may be afraid to talk about the incident, fearing the conversation will bring up the person’s desire to end their life again. Friends and … Continue reading

Posted in Something Special | Leave a comment

Will Xenotransplantation Answer the Nation’s Organ Shortage?

Successful implantation of pig kidneys into two patients offers promising results

Xenotransplantation is the practice of transplanting functioning animal organs into a human recipient. According to the National Kidney Foundation, “On average, 17 people die each day in the United States waiting for an organ transplant.” This results in over 6,000 … Continue reading

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“Making Friends with Death” by Laura Pritchett

An award-winning novelist's take on how to prepare for death

Laura Pritchett, author of five novels, “came from a chaotic, strange, ranch-y, farm-y, science-y family,” which made her “familiar enough with life” and helped her “get familiar enough with death” by the time she was a teenager. Helping her mother … Continue reading

Posted in Lending Insight | Leave a comment

Our Monthly Tip: Care for a Grieving Student with a Back to School Gift

Milestones like going back to school for a new semester can be hard while mourning a loved one

Our Monthly Tip: While January 1 is often associated with goal setting and starting new chapters, those who are involved with education as a teacher or student often regard August in the same way. For many, the end of summer … Continue reading

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