There are three people I know who I think could write incredible books on the subject of death and loss: you, Hec, with the moving towards it with as much grace as can be mustered; my friend J from an old job, who's an artist whose mother died at the end of a long, but complicated life, and who's been processing her own complicated feelings about it; and my friend L, whose younger brother, whom she had adored from the moment of his birth, died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack, and who has, like J, been processing her loss (and the artistic community he was a huge part of's loss) with a kind of raw courage and eloquence that leaves me in awe.

I feel we are all together and it’s just… a gift.

This.

Thanks for the link and advice about handwriting stuff. My main issue is death grip, pressing down too hard and trying to write as fast as I think.

It is a gift to share this.

When I took the kids to see my mom in hospice, as we were leaving, Oliver looked at me and said, “Mom, I thought this would be sad, but Grandma was laughing. everyone was laughing and smiling.”

I had to fight back tears when I explained that my mother wanted all her family around her and we all had loving memories to share. That’s the best way to go out.

Very cute, Teppy.

I've often felt like our culture is really bad at facing death. It's hidden. It's commercialized.

So very true. I've been bedside with enough close loved ones that while profoundly emotional, death is not something I fear. Unfortunately, both my parents, and my late husband died in the hospital, their choice. It would have been much easier on everyone at home.

I've often felt like our culture is really bad at facing death. It's hidden. It's commercialized.

We had my mom at home with hospice care as she died and while it was hard (very hard) it was also a powerful and beautiful experience.

I knew we would have Jacqueline home and in hospice care as she faced the end of her life. And I wanted to show two things: how very loved she is, and how it is a part of life.

I echo every appreciation for the gift of community your family is giving us, David.

It has been a crusade to both demystify and celebrate the end of life for as long as I can remember. Many of the greatest honors of my life have been at the side of friends and family experiencing transitions.

It's a primate thing to fear the unknown, and to resist any kind of loss. I wish I could concisely express how much we diminish our own lives by letting that fear keep us from embracing both the inevitable and the deeply connecting.

Again, David, thank you. I so, desperately wish I was there.

I spent every second I could with my grandfather when it was near the end and was in the room when he passed, and I was so grateful for that time.

David, what everyone else said. Thank you so much for sharing this time with us. It means so much. I wish I could be there in person, but I’m grateful that I was able to meet Jacqueline in person twice.

Adding my voice to the chorus of gratitude. And agreeing with you on the Vs around death in this country.

I hadn't thought about it, but it turns out that the stunt people are also out on strike ... bringing their special skills.

Not just any stunt person!! Hey Mike Massa!

Breaking news: I am the worst mother ever for making ltc do the things she does every single day as part of our routine. Is it August 30th yet?

Congratulations on your worst parenting ever! It's a badge to wear with pride! And now, since it took me 20 minutes to write this, I'm giving up, as I am also the worst.