Author Archives: Debra L. Stang (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

How Quakers Cope with Death

Honoring the dead brings solace to the grieving

The Quaker religion is a form of Christianity founded by George Fox in England around 1650. Six years later, in 1656, two women brought the Quaker religion to the United States. Quakers believe that Christ, and by extension God, lives … Continue reading

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Our Weekly Tip: Writing the Unsent Letter

Feel better by telling your loved one the things you didn't get to say

Our Tip of the Week: Whether your loved one died suddenly or after a long illness, you may find yourself wishing you had said something to them. One last, “I love you,” perhaps, or an apology for something you did … Continue reading

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“Millions long for immortality who don’t know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon.”

- Susan Ertz
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“Amazing Grace” by John Newton

An unlikely author writes one of the most popular Christian hymns of all times

My grandmother was a sweet, gentle soul. She never lived in a town with a population greater than 2,000 people. She was awed by the progress she saw in her life. When she was little, most people used horses and … Continue reading

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How Can a Family Best Work with a Coroner or Medical Examiner? Interview with Judy Melinek

A medical examiner shares Information about death investigations

Today, SevenPonds speaks with Judy Melinek, M.D., a forensic pathologist who does autopsies for the Alameda County Sheriff Coroner’s Office in California. Dr. Melinek has a bachelor’s degree from Harvard and medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. She … Continue reading

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“When Bad Things Happen to Good People” by Harold Kushner

An examination of why people have to suffer

When Rabbi Harold Kushner’s son, Aaron, was 3 years old, he was diagnosed with progeria. Progeria is a devastating disease that causes rapid aging. Most victims die in their early teens. Aaron died two days after his 14th birthday. Until … Continue reading

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