The holidays can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. Hospice of Spokane's Community Memorial Tree allows folks who have lost loved ones to decorate paper doves in their memory. The doves are then hung on a beautiful tree. Last year, more than…
He was the still point in that M*A*S*H world of humor, tragedy and social commentary about war in one of the most well-written shows we may ever know. Harry Morgan died at the age of 96. His role as the crusty, but soft-hearted, Col. Potter…
I have been doing research in our newspaper archives in recent weeks for various stories and always pause when I come across words that have died from common usage. For some reason, the word "frock" has surfaced again and again. Frock: A woman's dress. I'm…
Labor economists have long been saying that the unemployment rate will get better once the boomers feel confident enough to get the heck out of the workplace. And then there will be labor shortages. The non-boomers are waiting, but certain labor shortages worry boomers, such…
My husband and I attended a lovely wedding last night, in a room filled with long-time married couples. It struck me that really no other decision -- not even the profession you choose -- determines how your life plays out. You and a spouse or…
In the Christian tradition - Advent is here. A time of waiting, reflecting, listening in the darkness - waiting for the light. In U.S. Catholic, an essay published a few years ago always centers me at this time of year; I am reminded that the…
The Centers for Disease Control is reminding all of us about National Handwashing Awareness Week, starting Sunday. Not to be too OCD about it, but washing hands is one of the easiest ways to prevent illness. Experts advise singing "Happy Birthday" when you wash so…
The New York Times has a fascinating story today about a young man named Chris who has been in one of those semi-comas for years but who is now showing some amazing alertness, thanks to Ambien, which is usually a sleep aid. Excerpt: Convinced that…
While waking up this morning, it dawned on me that, for many of us, the hours of a day are divided thusly: Work, eight hours. Sleep, eight hours (if you are lucky.) That leaves eight more hours for "Other." In those hours, we clean, bathe,…
Just finished an interview for a future Sunday story. The mother and daughter are working together to write a book about a family tragedy in 1958. The mother is 89 and a key person to remembering important details. The interview reminded me of the importance…
My dad was a big guy all his life, way over 200 pounds, and often trying to shed a few pounds. But his sweet tooth always got the best of him. In the late 1980s, he began to shed weight and everyone thought it was…
In a recent teleconference, organized by the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia, two experts in pneumonia research and prevention talked about how risky pneumonia is for children in the United States – and throughout the world. Pneumonia is the biggest killer of children under 5;…
I went to a “praying with poetry” gathering at my Catholic parish last night. Well over 60 people attended with most of us close to either side of 60 years old. Our priest read poems by William Stafford, Sherman Alexie and others. I was reminded…
My Sunday story was about the updated image of hospital gift shops. So if you're visiting someone at the hospital and forgot a gift, duck in. You might be surprised what gift shops now sell. From the story: Many retail stores are ailing in these…
Carly Crooks, 11, recently wrote a book report for her class that her father, Gary Crooks, associate editor on the newspaper's editorial board, first heard during conferences. Father and teacher were both in tears afterward. Gary's wife, Laura, died suddenly five years ago. She was…
Great line from the novel "The Underpainter": "Entire kingdoms of objects have disappeared from the planet...Think of all the gear associated with the horse-drawn carriage, the winter sleigh, all the straps and bits and bells, the reigns and shoes and blinkers."
The holiday movie season (coupled with Thanksgiving) makes me think of the seasonal movies in which the main characters face death and realize that they had much to be thankful for in their lives and for them, it's not too late to act on it…
Rebecca's post describing Thanksgivings past sounds familiar. I remember sitting at the dining room table with my sisters, parents, grandparents and great aunt and uncle. I loved the candlelight, the fancy dishes and the music in the next room, courtesy of the hi-fi. My mom…
My mother did our Thanksgivings, all my growing up years -- with the six kids and later, their spouses and their children. It's my favorite holiday. Our family felt big back then, but now it has grown even bigger. Mom has 15 grandchildren and more…
We are preparing for a flood here in the Pacific Northwest. I receive lists of emergency supplies and plans on what to do if we get stranded at work. I did get stranded at work a few years ago when the rivers rose and we…
If you have any family member in his or her 90s, the U.S. Census Bureau report released last week on our country's 90-year-olds is a fascinating read. And baby boomers really need to pay attention. These oldsters among us are blazing the new trails here.…
From Associated Press: Police say a South Florida woman posed as a doctor and gave a series of toxic injections to a woman who wanted a bigger backside and curvier body. Sgt. Bill Bamford is with the Miami Gardens Police Department. He says Oneal Ron…
The third week in November holds magic for our family when we celebrate National Adoption Day. My teen-age son and I opt out of our routine and slip over to the courthouse where families gather. Today we witnessed nine children joining seven families. The judge…
If you've ever wondered why you, or someone else you know, didn't grieve in the stages of grief identified by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross 40 years ago, wonder no more. Turns out that grief experts in recent years are rethinking those stages. At a Hospice Foundation of…
Was just reading Cathy's post below when the police scanners in the newsroom started screaming with activity, sirens and lots of voices. A woman just jumped from the Monroe Street Bridge, a block or two away from The Spokesman-Review building. We only report suicides when…
Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.
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