Faring Well in the Farewell

Hey friends,

Last week I went to a celebration of life for a friend. She had started to travel more in the past few years, learning new languages and delving into unfamiliar corners of spirituality. She gave instructions for her funeral that had inside jokes and bursts of beauty. The inspirational thought that came through was do it while you can, which she did even before she knew she had to. Here’s a song she loved, "Ashokan Farewell," that also was a song our children played together on fiddle.

We will all have our share or more of grief and dying. It’s also something people don’t like to talk about, but I think it would help us all to explore it more. It’s surrounding me now, with people I love, and I’m searching for ways for joyfulness, small meaningful moments and peace as I help them. And of course, I’ve searched out books. I know a death reading list is not for everyone – but it is for me. I’m re – reading the truly great “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande. It hits different as I read it for I think the third time, in different stages of life. And I’m reading two new books: “The Good Death” by Suzanne O’Brien and “The Art of Dying Well” by Katy Butler. Maybe you have others to share?

Which brings me to a big thank you. I started “Cadence” two months ago and I’m amazed and grateful you are all here. I’m taking a little time off over the holidays but one thing on my wish list is to hear directly from you – what would you like to read about here? How can we build more community? Jump in to comments below or email me at shannonhenrykleiber@gmail.com.

In gratitude for your presence and sticking with me through a heavy, but heart-ful newsletter today -

–    Shannon