Author Archives: Betsy Arant (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

What Does It Mean To Die Well?

Bioethicist Dr. Lydia Dugdale reflects on preparing ourselves for the end of life
Posted on July 31, 2025 by Betsy Arant (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

In her book “The Lost Art of Dying,” bioethicist Dr. Lydia Dugdale explores the ways in which humans have prepared for death throughout history, and how we might apply that wisdom to the end-of-life experience today. Dugdale is a practicing … Continue reading →

Posted in Professional Advice | 2 Comments

The Matsigenka and the “Were-Jaguars” of Peru

For this Amazonian people, death can bring supernatural transformation
Posted on July 5, 2025 by Betsy Arant (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

People of all cultures and in all regions of the world have fears about death. Some fears stem from concepts of heaven and hell or karmic retribution, while many center on the mystery of the afterlife. For the Matsigenka people … Continue reading →

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“I Do Not Believe” by Elyas Alavi, translated by Fatemeh Shams & Leonard Schwartz

Award-winning Afghani poet reflects on the fear of losing a loved one to violence
Posted on September 26, 2021 by Betsy Arant (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

My beloved if Death be here for you Let it be in tuberculosis’ form Or the form of bitter cold, Not as prey of suicide bombing. You should have the time To review your memories, To review the particulars of … Continue reading →

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End-of-Life Options and the Law: Understanding VSED vs MAID

An interview with law professor and bioethicist Dr. Thaddeus Pope
Posted on September 14, 2021 by Betsy Arant (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

Dr. Thaddeus Pope is a law professor and bioethicist whose work focuses on end-of-life options and patient rights. He teaches at Mitchell Hamline University’s Health Law Institute and received a Fulbright Scholar Award in 2020 to research Canadian and American … Continue reading →

Posted in Professional Advice | 1 Comment

Vaccine Boosters to be Available in September Pending Approval

Amid concern over waning immunity, officials plan to approve a third dose of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines
Posted on August 31, 2021 by Betsy Arant (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

With only 52% of the nation fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and a growing number of breakthrough infections occurring due to the Delta variant, there is concern that the current vaccine dosage is not enough to keep elderly and immunocompromised people … Continue reading →

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“Notes on the Existence of Ghosts” by Franny Choi

A young poet explores the curious nature of absence, and the many shapes it can take
Posted on August 23, 2021 by Betsy Arant (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

I understand the gravity of a train from the empty space and afterbirth air I encounter when I run down to the platform twenty seconds too late. It is the same with all things of such weight – to know … Continue reading →

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