Author Archives: Melissa Gouty

“Let Me Grieve but not Forever” by Verdell Davis

A journey out of the darkness of loss

  Loss happens to someone else. Tragedy affects other people. Until it happens to you. So writes Verdell Davis in her book, “Let Me Grieve but not Forever: A Journey out of the Darkness of Loss,” first published in 1994 … Continue reading

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What Is the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program?

A conversation with Elisabeth Van Every, Communications & Outreach Coordinator for Pet Partners, an organization that facilitates animal-assisted interventions, Part One

Today SevenPonds is pleased to speak with Elisabeth Van Every, the Communications and Outreach coordinator at Pet Partners, an organization that facilitates animal-assisted interventions, including animal-assisted therapy.  The mission of Pet Partners is to improve human health and well-being through … Continue reading

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Fighting Dementia with Virtual Reality Reminiscence Therapy

Virtual reality allows seniors to explore the world anew and revisit the past

Grab those glasses and “Go, Granny, go!” Virtual reality gear for the elderly is not a fashion statement, but in the coming years, it might be a common sight. Using virtual reality and reminiscence therapy is a new way to … Continue reading

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It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve

Barry Manilow gives some sage New Year's advice

If the approach of the New Year is getting you down because you’re alone or suffering from a terminal illness, take some advice from Barry Manilow. “Don’t look so sad, It’s not so bad you know. It’s just another night, … Continue reading

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“Old age. It’s the only disease that you don’t look forward to being cured of.”

- Citizen Kane

 

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“Having Lost My Sons, I Confront the Wreckage of the Moon: Christmas, 1960” by James Arlington Wright

James Arlington Wright's poem speaks of grief at Christmas

Cold despair slapped my psyche the first time I read the poem, “Having Lost My Sons I Confront the Wreckage of the Moon: Christmas, 1960” by James  Arlington Wright. Haunted by the icy imagery and the brutal sadness the poem … Continue reading

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