Last Writes is a good idea for an app. I'm a software developer who knows a lot of software developers. Maybe I (we?) can help.
I experienced some deaths in the family last year as well as some health issues, so I have thought a lot about death and dying lately. Particularly since my husband and I have no living kin anymore other than one aging parent apiece. One of us is going to have to bury the other, then die alone. So yeah, your idea speaks to me.
On a different note, I don't know if you've looked into creating digital images and having them printed on merchandise as a potential fundraiser. I used CoPilot from Edge to create some images for my own shop. I get (in theory, if I had any sales) $3 per item sold. https://www.spreadshop.com/
Thank you for sharing that about your own experience, Sharon. I’m astounded by how many people I’ve privately heard from (since I posted) who resonate with this.
I’d love to connect and see and how we can make this a reality. My email is: iamrobindivine@gmail.com.
Sending gentleness to those of us who have to think about this.
However when you create Last Writes, I'm on board! (No idea how I could help, I'll figure it out when we're there.) Literally talked to hubby a few mins ago about death and people's unhealthy toxic relationship to it in general as Daniel Karsai, a Hungarian lawyer with ALS who was fighting for the right to assisted suicide just died.
In Hungary, death is pretty much fetishized, but even more feared and going in peace... I think that's very much of a privilege. We're not equal in this world, not even in death. (Sorry if I really went off on a tangent here and missed the point.)
You've done so much for me, I hope you know that. ❤️
And yes! I really do want to create Last Writes. I actually wish I could do that full time. It feels like such a needed offering to the community. That's interesting how death is viewed in Hungary. Lately I've been watching how other countries approach death - for example, MAID in Canada. Thank you for sharing the article, I'll bookmark it to read. We truly do all deserve such a better world.
My grandma, the one I grew up with used to be very afraid of death. I got that from her... actually, an awful lot of my anxiety comes from her. But later I realised that it's not just her, death in general is feared, but when the 1st November comes, the whole country goes to the cemetery because you HAVE TO. You will go and visit the graves of your loved ones and put flowers and before you leave, you will just stand there for a minute in silence... and that's it. That's our whole relationship with death. The fear, the suffering, and then the visits to the cemetery until it's your turn there.
Granted, I lowkey became obsessed with the topic after my own uncomfortably close encounter (hey, stage 1 cancer is still cancer) and I've slowly started exposing myself to the topic through the internet. A hospice nurse and cancer patients on youtube have taught me more about this than anything ever before.
I know I've done for you, but it's not enough. And I fear the day when you decide to leave will come much sooner than I wish for it. I will not tell you not to go, because I don't have the right to make you suffer more and I don't want that for you, but I know that if it happens, I will be heartbroken.
But for now we're still here. I just feel awful now, but it'll pass and this is not the end.
Hey Robin. Ok - so no "you can crash in my extra room," but you need to move to Atlanta. Why can't you go straight to Mexico? I want to help - I'm just trying to figure out what you need. Also, and not to put more stress on you - but you know if you want to take your babies with you that you have to have them checked out by an international certified vet who works with the USDA on our end so you can give the rabies vaccinations and all that to the Mexican department of agriculture on that side or they won't be allowed in. (I brought a dog back from when I worked in Colombia and lived in Ireland as well, so I know about these things) Email me @ tbonach@yahoo.com
Hey Tristen, fair questions! I gave it serious thought (staying with one of you kind humans for a little while) and I don't have it in me. I've done that so many times. I need to use my limited energy to work on getting settled. I know it doesn't make sense but I can't find the right words to explain it. As for why the stop in Atlanta - it seemed like a (kinda) safe temporary stop. Mexico may take more time but I can't stay in Ohio. I want to make sure I'm financially stable and can take care of myself before I move to another country. As for the littles, yes! They're all set to travel - I'm the hold up. Thank you for your email, I'll keep it handy if I think of any questions. ❤️
Ok. Awesome about the littles. And what if you did some place in Arizona or New Mexico (Might be cheaper than Atlanta) before you went - then you could drive over? I dunno - it's just a suggestion. I guess it depends on where you'll end up. And also, I get driving through northern New Mexico as a single woman may not be the safest, but it gets you there?
I've been so traumatized by OH that I need to live in a super "Black friendly" space and Atlanta was the first place that came to mind. But, I'm open to other cities if they feel safer than where I am now. I'm so damn confused, Tristen. I'm genuinely just throwing ideas against the wall to see what sticks...
I assumed that's why you chose Atlanta. I think Albuquerque is pretty "Black friendly." Don't know about Tucson, but I have Colombian friends living out of Phoenix and teaching on an H1B Visa and they feel ok (but very aware of the "immigrant" racism there.) Up to you, of course - just throwing out ideas. Also - I read an article about a guy who couldn't make it having grown up out of San Fran and moved to Detroit and was able to buy a home and LIVE, so there's an idea as well.
I forgot about Detroit! Now that you mention it, I think my Mom visited Albuquerque once and really liked it. I'll do some research on those areas, thank you for that. I'm open to ideas if any other places come to your mind.
I wish we had something like MAID* in Canada in conjunction with Last Writes! I have nothing of value, so I don’t care what happens to my stuff, but I also worry about my littles.
*Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a process in Canada that allows eligible adults to receive assistance from a medical professional to end their life.
Same! I couldn't care less about my stuff but my littles - they worry me. I really want to make this a reality, so many of us could benefit. (And thank you for sharing about MAID.)
I'm so sorry Ohio has failed you. It is failing everybody who isn't a white dude, but most of us can at least get by and find some community worth a damn somewhere. I'm sending love every minute.
Hang in there Robin. I can relate your fed up vibe. I just donated. You look healthy physically so that is a gift. You are intelligent and well spoken via your personal writing. Surely you can find a niche some where. I will pray for you too. Keep on keeping on!
this reminds me of ”My Grandfathers Cat” which helps seniors and terminally ill people find homes for their pets. Your idea is more expansive in honoring all last wishes which is much needed. Resources for people no matter how they pass, no matter who they are.
This makes me think of people who may have families but whose families don’t respect them or their last wishes. Maybe they could also find someone who could honor them in death as they were in life.
Last Writes is a good idea for an app. I'm a software developer who knows a lot of software developers. Maybe I (we?) can help.
I experienced some deaths in the family last year as well as some health issues, so I have thought a lot about death and dying lately. Particularly since my husband and I have no living kin anymore other than one aging parent apiece. One of us is going to have to bury the other, then die alone. So yeah, your idea speaks to me.
On a different note, I don't know if you've looked into creating digital images and having them printed on merchandise as a potential fundraiser. I used CoPilot from Edge to create some images for my own shop. I get (in theory, if I had any sales) $3 per item sold. https://www.spreadshop.com/
Thank you for sharing that about your own experience, Sharon. I’m astounded by how many people I’ve privately heard from (since I posted) who resonate with this.
I’d love to connect and see and how we can make this a reality. My email is: iamrobindivine@gmail.com.
Sending gentleness to those of us who have to think about this.
I wish I could do more for you.
However when you create Last Writes, I'm on board! (No idea how I could help, I'll figure it out when we're there.) Literally talked to hubby a few mins ago about death and people's unhealthy toxic relationship to it in general as Daniel Karsai, a Hungarian lawyer with ALS who was fighting for the right to assisted suicide just died.
https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/06/echr-hungary-refusal-of-medically-assisted-death-does-not-violate-human-rights/
In Hungary, death is pretty much fetishized, but even more feared and going in peace... I think that's very much of a privilege. We're not equal in this world, not even in death. (Sorry if I really went off on a tangent here and missed the point.)
You've done so much for me, I hope you know that. ❤️
And yes! I really do want to create Last Writes. I actually wish I could do that full time. It feels like such a needed offering to the community. That's interesting how death is viewed in Hungary. Lately I've been watching how other countries approach death - for example, MAID in Canada. Thank you for sharing the article, I'll bookmark it to read. We truly do all deserve such a better world.
My grandma, the one I grew up with used to be very afraid of death. I got that from her... actually, an awful lot of my anxiety comes from her. But later I realised that it's not just her, death in general is feared, but when the 1st November comes, the whole country goes to the cemetery because you HAVE TO. You will go and visit the graves of your loved ones and put flowers and before you leave, you will just stand there for a minute in silence... and that's it. That's our whole relationship with death. The fear, the suffering, and then the visits to the cemetery until it's your turn there.
Granted, I lowkey became obsessed with the topic after my own uncomfortably close encounter (hey, stage 1 cancer is still cancer) and I've slowly started exposing myself to the topic through the internet. A hospice nurse and cancer patients on youtube have taught me more about this than anything ever before.
I know I've done for you, but it's not enough. And I fear the day when you decide to leave will come much sooner than I wish for it. I will not tell you not to go, because I don't have the right to make you suffer more and I don't want that for you, but I know that if it happens, I will be heartbroken.
But for now we're still here. I just feel awful now, but it'll pass and this is not the end.
Hey Robin. Ok - so no "you can crash in my extra room," but you need to move to Atlanta. Why can't you go straight to Mexico? I want to help - I'm just trying to figure out what you need. Also, and not to put more stress on you - but you know if you want to take your babies with you that you have to have them checked out by an international certified vet who works with the USDA on our end so you can give the rabies vaccinations and all that to the Mexican department of agriculture on that side or they won't be allowed in. (I brought a dog back from when I worked in Colombia and lived in Ireland as well, so I know about these things) Email me @ tbonach@yahoo.com
Hey Tristen, fair questions! I gave it serious thought (staying with one of you kind humans for a little while) and I don't have it in me. I've done that so many times. I need to use my limited energy to work on getting settled. I know it doesn't make sense but I can't find the right words to explain it. As for why the stop in Atlanta - it seemed like a (kinda) safe temporary stop. Mexico may take more time but I can't stay in Ohio. I want to make sure I'm financially stable and can take care of myself before I move to another country. As for the littles, yes! They're all set to travel - I'm the hold up. Thank you for your email, I'll keep it handy if I think of any questions. ❤️
Ok. Awesome about the littles. And what if you did some place in Arizona or New Mexico (Might be cheaper than Atlanta) before you went - then you could drive over? I dunno - it's just a suggestion. I guess it depends on where you'll end up. And also, I get driving through northern New Mexico as a single woman may not be the safest, but it gets you there?
I've been so traumatized by OH that I need to live in a super "Black friendly" space and Atlanta was the first place that came to mind. But, I'm open to other cities if they feel safer than where I am now. I'm so damn confused, Tristen. I'm genuinely just throwing ideas against the wall to see what sticks...
I assumed that's why you chose Atlanta. I think Albuquerque is pretty "Black friendly." Don't know about Tucson, but I have Colombian friends living out of Phoenix and teaching on an H1B Visa and they feel ok (but very aware of the "immigrant" racism there.) Up to you, of course - just throwing out ideas. Also - I read an article about a guy who couldn't make it having grown up out of San Fran and moved to Detroit and was able to buy a home and LIVE, so there's an idea as well.
I forgot about Detroit! Now that you mention it, I think my Mom visited Albuquerque once and really liked it. I'll do some research on those areas, thank you for that. I'm open to ideas if any other places come to your mind.
I wish we had something like MAID* in Canada in conjunction with Last Writes! I have nothing of value, so I don’t care what happens to my stuff, but I also worry about my littles.
*Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a process in Canada that allows eligible adults to receive assistance from a medical professional to end their life.
Same! I couldn't care less about my stuff but my littles - they worry me. I really want to make this a reality, so many of us could benefit. (And thank you for sharing about MAID.)
Ooof...so much to carry. Blessings in this, as you move into a new chapter.
Thank you for the gentle words, Mary. I really hope life gets lighter one day. 💗
I'm so sorry Ohio has failed you. It is failing everybody who isn't a white dude, but most of us can at least get by and find some community worth a damn somewhere. I'm sending love every minute.
You've been the ONLY good part about living here, thank you for the love. ❤️
Feel this😢 Wish I could afford to help💕
I'm so sorry you can relate, Jasmine. I hope you receive any support you may need too. 💗
Thank you💕 Cuddle your fur babies for me🩷
Consider it done, they'll get all the cuddles 💞
Yay🥳💕
Hang in there Robin. I can relate your fed up vibe. I just donated. You look healthy physically so that is a gift. You are intelligent and well spoken via your personal writing. Surely you can find a niche some where. I will pray for you too. Keep on keeping on!
this reminds me of ”My Grandfathers Cat” which helps seniors and terminally ill people find homes for their pets. Your idea is more expansive in honoring all last wishes which is much needed. Resources for people no matter how they pass, no matter who they are.
This makes me think of people who may have families but whose families don’t respect them or their last wishes. Maybe they could also find someone who could honor them in death as they were in life.
Last Writes is an AMAZING and much-needed idea. I’m very interested in participating. Venmo’d you just now. 💓💓