Author Archives: Tani Bahti (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

The Death Rattle — Not Music to Your Ears?

The death rattle can be unnerving and scary for loved ones, but adding overriding noise can help.

As a person gets closer to death, they can begin a type of noisy breathing that sounds like a wet snore. Called the “death rattle,” it can be difficult to listen to. Thankfully, it is not too common. Because it’s … Continue reading

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Is Your Dying Loved One Craving Sweets? Let Them Eat Cake!

Sweets and other favorite treats can nourish the soul when the body is shutting down

When asked what she wanted for lunch, Shirley quickly replied, “Ice cream!” She winced when her daughter reprimanded her. “Mom, you know you have to watch your sweets. You have to eat something healthy.” At age 92, Shirley was dying … Continue reading

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Caring for a Dying Loved One? Be Gentle With Yourself.

Dying is unpredictable and messy. Don’t blame yourself if it doesn’t go according to plan

Tani Bahti, RN, CT, CHPN, offers practical on-hand guidance to demystify the dying process. An RN since 1976, Tani has been working to empower families and health care professionals to have the best end-of-life experience possible both through education and … Continue reading

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How Dare You Die Now!

Acknowledging the anger or pain of an earlier-than-expected death

“I’m so angry — I can’t forgive him for dying and leaving me,” whispered Amy. “Does that make me a bad person?” Sweethearts since high school, Amy and Don had been inseparable, and married at age 20. Now, the future they had … Continue reading

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Keys to Dying Well

Embracing a new cycle

  There are many “life cycles” in our time on earth — beginnings and endings of our youth, relationships, work, dreams, and ultimately, of life itself. This is my farewell blog, ending my cycle as a writer for “Dying Well.” … Continue reading

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Dying Around the Holidays

Reframing the memory of death on a special day

“Please don’t let him die on my birthday!” “If he dies on Christmas, I will never be able to celebrate again!” It’s hard enough that someone we love is dying. It can seem even worse when they are dying around … Continue reading

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