support for difficult times

Caring for a loved one at the end of life may be the hardest thing you do... and possibly the most rewarding, too. Here are a few of the many useful online resources we have come to appreciate.


contemplating mortality
Contemplating Mortality, a podcast from the radio show On Being, which discusses death as an opportunity to learn and to heal relationships.

In a country that treats death as a medical event, the human and personal aspects of this passage are often lost, leading to even more suffering when our loved ones die. "Contemplating
Mortality" is a 51-minute radio broadcast that suggests we can experience the end of life as a time of profound learning and relationship repair. Listen here.



alzheimer's disease
NPR interview about Measure of the Heart, a book that describes the power of music for a parent with Alzheimer's, from the Threshold Choir of Ann Arbor.

Measure of the Heart is a memoir by
Mary Ellen Geist, a Michigander and former television anchor who discovered the mysterious power of music to enrich her father's life as he struggled with Alzheimer's.


caring bridge

Caring Bridge is an online space that allows you to share updates on your loved one's process during any type of health crisis. It allows you to set up a personal, protected website quickly and easily to share with family and friends the password so they can stay informed and leave supportive messages. You can visit the Caring Bridge website here.


the five wishes

The Five Wishes are like a living will for the dying process to prepare for our own last days. It comes from the non-profit Aging with Dignity whose mission is to affirm and safeguard human dignity and promote better end-of-life care. Learn more here.


community

Threshold Singers of Ann Arbor values its connections to the community around us. On this page we share information about community groups and events that we think you will find of interest.


Singing for Comfort

All are welcome to take some time away from life’s stresses with an hour of peaceful, comforting singing. Held on the second Thursday of each month, song leaders teach and lead songs that are easy to learn and sing, including many from the Threshold Choir repertoire. No experience necessary. Attend whenever you are able - in person or on Zoom. Singing for Comfort meets at Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth (zoom link is on their home page), 704 Airport Blvd., Ann Arbor. For more information, contact Layla at 734-646-7405.


Arbor Hospice

With the combined capabilities of NorthStar Palliative Care, Arbor Hospice, Anchors Programs for Children and Arbor Grief Support (all part of the same extended family), Arbor Hospice provides compassionate care and support during life’s final months … and beyond. For more information, visit arborhospice.org


Death Cafe

At a Death Cafe friendly, interesting people drink tea, eat cake - or meet on Zoom - and discuss death, dying and end-of-life concerns. The aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their (finite) lives. Expect respectful, thought-provoking, confidential conversations. There are currently two Death Cafes in Ann Arbor. You can find more information about dates and times at facebook.com/DeathCafeAnnArbor

and Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth.


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River Sing, summer of 2023