Planning

Planning for death is the title of a series of talks on Marketplace Money, a part of American Public Media. Much of the focus is on the estate planning side, with needs for wills (only about half of us have them).

This is the link to the first article in the series. It aired before 0800 hours on Sunday morning, 15 June, but you can listen to a podcast of it and the sequels, which will follow, a couple each Sunday, I believe.

Grief

Death is hard and painful for survivors --- each in his or her own way. Grieving is natural process not one event; ordinarily it is not a mental illness or weakness. There is no standard way of grieving that fits everyone; each of us creates a unique way. Nor is there a standard time line.

Hospices and other health care institutions, funeral homes, religious and social services institutions may offer grief or bereavement services local to you. These may include series of group sessions, single events, and individual counseling. Hospice of Wake, among others,  offers helpful programs in Wake County. Check the web and your local organizations when you or those you know might be ready for such aid.