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

“I Hope You Dance” Encourages Leading Life to the Fullest

LeeAnn Womack's song provides inspiration for a funeral or memorial service

“I Hope You Dance,” written by Mark Sanders and Tia Sillers and performed by LeeAnn Womack, is a song about following the road less traveled and making active, positive choices. So many people approach the end of life with regrets: … Continue reading

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“Sunshine: A Novel” by Norma Klein

A young mother struggles with her impending death

“Sunshine” by Norma Klein was published in 1974. It was loosely based on the true story of a young woman who died of cancer. During the last 18 months of her life, she made a series of audio tape recordings … Continue reading

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“No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.”

- C.S. Lewis
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“The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe

A bird that speaks only one word shreds a man's soul

Edgar Allan Poe published “The Raven” to mixed reviews in January of 1845. He was paid only a modest fee for his work, which did not become famous until well after his death five years later. The cause of Poe’s … Continue reading

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Mexico’s Day of the Dead

Southern and Central Mexicans honor their ancestors

The Mexican Day of the Dead is actually celebrated over two days, Nov.1 and Nov. 2, in Central and Southern Mexico. Legend holds that at midnight on Oct. 31, the gates of heaven fly open and release the souls of those … Continue reading

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“According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

- Jerry Seinfeld
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