Author Archives: Zoë Byrne (Editor in Chief, SevenPonds)

Après Lui (2007) by Gaël Morel

This beautiful French film realistically captures the raw emotions and complicated grief of a mother whose only son dies suddenly in a car crash and follows how she tries to cope with his absence

Après Lui opens with two male best friends goofing around by dressing up in one of the men’s mothers’ clothes and dancing around to music. They invite the one friend’s mother, Camille (played by the amazing Catherine Deneuve) to come … Continue reading

Posted in Lending Insight | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Uganda’s Banyankole Tribe’s Death and Burial Traditions

Today we explore some of the unique death and burial traditions of the Banyankole tribe in southwestern Uganda

Contrary to many cultures, the Banyankole tribe, who reside in Ankole in southwestern Uganda, traditionally believed that death did not occur naturally but rather through methods of sorcery, scourge or spite. Therefore, when people died, their loved ones, wanting to … Continue reading

Posted in Cultural Perspectives | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Monday Hearts for Madalene

Page Hodel creates the most beautiful hearts in an ongoing celebration of love

You will Endlessly Sparkle In My Heart It’s an honor for SevenPonds to share with our readers the story of the Monday Hearts for Madalene project, a true account of the power of love in the midst of death. The project’s origins take us to … Continue reading

Posted in Hearts for Madeline | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Monday Hearts for Madalene

Page Hodel creates the most beautiful hearts in an ongoing celebration of love

St Patty’s Day Spring With Love It’s an honor for SevenPonds to share with our readers the story of the Monday Hearts for Madalene project, a true account of the power of love in the midst of death. The project’s origins take us to … Continue reading

Posted in Hearts for Madeline | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment



Our Weekly Tip: Expressing and Healing from Your Grief Through Artwork

Creating artwork can greatly help those struggling to cope with and heal from the grieving process after a loved one’s death

Our Tip of the Week: Sometimes words escape us when we are trying to express ourselves during our grieving process after a loss. That is why creating art — whether by yourself or with the help of an art therapist … Continue reading

Posted in Practical Tips | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What is a Balloon Release? An Interview with Reverend Lucinda Martin

In part one of a two-part interview, Reverend Lucinda Martin of Graceful Mournings describes what inspired her to become a celebrant, what a balloon release entails from the eyes of a celebrant and how meaningfully planned ceremonies can help in the grief and healing processes

Today SevenPonds speaks with Reverend Lucinda Martin, founder of the Association of Interfaith Ministers, Vows and Kisses and Graceful Mournings. Based in Northern California, Reverend Lucinda Martin became an Ordained Interfaith Minister through One Spirit Seminary in New York, New … Continue reading

Posted in Professional Advice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments