Tag Archives: Joy

“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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”All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.”

- Henry Ellis
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“Septimus” by Rachel Wetzsteon

A personal look at a poem considering the tragedy and beauty that accompany both life and death

So often we are conditioned to think of death as something tragic. And, undoubtedly, losing someone is heartbreaking. It shakes your entire world. It changes the way you move through your day to day. I had been, for many years, the … Continue reading

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The Turning of the Bones in Madagascar

A look at famadihana, a joyous celebration of life and death in Madagascar

In Madagascar, the Malagasy people engage in a unique and beautiful tradition called “famadihana.” This translates to “the turning of the bones,” and it is a ritual steeped in history and joy. During “famadihana,” which occurs every two to seven years, the … Continue reading

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