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

“I have a long-standing friendship with death. When it comes, I will ask her to sit down and relax, then I’ll suggest to her champagne. Because, in fact, I’m a coward.”

- Salvador Dali

You may also like: George Carlin Gives Us Some Straight Talk on Death Planning Ahead “If you live to be one hundred, you’ve got it made. Very few people die past that age.”

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How Can Art Therapy Benefit Someone Dealing with Loss and Grief? An Interview with Melissa J. Hedlund

Melissa J. Hedlund from The Light of the Heart discusses her unique approach to art therapy, what inspired her to start the organization and the benefits of art therapy for loss and grief

Today SevenPonds speaks with Melissa J. Hedlund, MCAT, ATR-BC, LCPC, an artist, art therapist and social justice community organizer. Currently based in Aurora, Illinois, she is the executive director and co-founder of The Light of The Heart, a community art … Continue reading

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Guatemalan Funeral Traditions

A look into traditional Guatemalan beliefs about death and funerals

Guatemalans follow many traditional Catholic customs regarding death and funerals. When a person dies, there is a sense of urgency to prepare and bury the body. Shortly after a death, someone arrives to prepare for a burial by bathing and … Continue reading

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Carrie and Me: A Mother-Daughter Love Story by Carol Burnett

A mother’s touching tribute to her daughter who had so much life left in her when it was unexpectedly cut short by cancer

Many people think of Carol Burnett as a lively and beloved comedian and entertainer best known for her long-running variety show, “The Carol Burnett Show.” Few, however, know the intimate and intricate bond that she shared with her firstborn daughter, … Continue reading

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“If you live to be one hundred, you’ve got it made. Very few people die past that age.”

– George Burns

More from “Laughter is Medicine”: The Wheel of Doom How to Communicate with a Friend from Beyond the Grave “I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another … Continue reading

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 “Today’s The Day” by Lucy Kaplansky

A lovely funeral tribute song honoring the love between a daughter and her dying father

In 2007, singer-songwriter Lucy Kaplansky released a sweet and reflective song called “Today’s the Day.” This song serves as a lovely funeral tribute for Kaplansky’s father, famous mathematician Irving Kaplansky, who had died the year before, after living a long … Continue reading

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