Article by Liisa Ogburn.
What are you afraid of?
So often our fears around the unknown overwhelm us. Information can be a good antidote.
A dear client asked me recently if I had read Dr. Sherwin Nuland’s book, “How We Die: Reflections on Life’s Final Chapter.” I had not and picked it up later that day.
Dr. Nuland, a surgeon for his entire professional life, wrote the book to demystify what scares most of us: death. He had witnessed thousands over his career. He thought it crucial to address the inaccurate, but common belief that we are somehow flawed if we don’t have a “good death.”
“Since human beings first began to write, they have recorded their wish for an idealized ending some call the ‘good death,'” Nuland writes, “as if any of us can ever be sure of it or have any reason to expect it. There are pitfalls of decision-making to be sidestepped and varieties of hope to seek, but beyond that we must forgive ourselves when we cannot achieve some preconceived image of dying right.”
To read the rest of the article, go to: https://www.wral.com/what-are-you-afraid-of-/17571361/
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About the Author:
Liisa Ogburn is at the heart of Aging Advisors NC, bringing a rich blend of personal experience and global perspective to elder care. Raised in North Carolina with deep roots in Finland, Liisa has a unique appreciation for diverse approaches to aging, shaped by her life across different cultures including Finland, Estonia, Germany, England, Japan, and Costa Rica.
Her path into elder care consulting was deeply personal. While juggling her role as a Duke University educator and caring for her father-in-law and three young children, Liisa started sharing her family’s journey through articles for The New York Times and later, over 300 posts for WRAL Raleigh on everything from handling loss to choosing the right elder care options.
A teacher at heart, Liisa thrives on empowering others with knowledge. She offers her expertise in presentations to various groups—from churches to professional firms—and writes extensively, reaching audiences far and wide. Her credentials include certifications in geriatric care and a special certification from Brown University to teach Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, reinforcing her belief that calm minds make sound decisions.
