Memories in Dragonflies

Simple Lessons for Mindful Dying

Lannette Cornell Bloom

• Publisher: She Writes Press
• Year: 2018
• eBook ISBN:
  9781631524707
• Subtopic: Social Science Biographies

Life—and death—may be hard; but joy is simple.
Lannette Cornell Bloom, a typical, overworked nurse, wife, and mom of two, was forty-three when her mother was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. She quit her job and dove headlong into the familiar role of caretaking. This choice—to slow down and be present for the hardest year of her life—resulted in an awakening. In unexpected moments, as childhood memories flooded into the present, Lannette glimpsed bits of magic that existed just beyond the pain. Without knowing it, she was experiencing a mindful dying process with her mother—and it was a journey that would change the way she lived the rest of her life.
A touching and soulful memoir that gracefully uncovers the beauty that is often lost within the dying process, Memories in Dragonflies is a beautiful portrait of what it means to be human and a gentle reminder to enjoy every moment, because even the simplest ones bring lasting joy.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Note to My Readers
• Contents
• 1) The Diagnosis
• 2) Build Your Bridge
• 3) Take a Deep Breath
• 4) Ignore the Clock
• 5) Accept Authenticity
• 6) Let Them Lead
• 7) Be a Sanctuary
• 8) Remember to Look Up
• 9) Find Your Ritual
• 10) Maybe You Can’t Walk but You Can Roll
• 11) Accept the Torch
• 12) Slow Down with Fast Food
• 13) Let Your Heart Speak to Other Hearts
• 14) Handle the Things You Can
• 15) Know Your Limits
• 16) Bring the Outdoors In
• 17) Let Go of Anger
• 18) Don’t Miss the Small Stuff
• 19) Be Grateful for Each Day
• 20) Create a Family Symbol
• 21) Listen to the Bells Ring
• 22) Always Celebrate
• 23) Listen Without Distraction
• 24) Keep the Precious Moments Intimate
• 25) It’s Okay to Let Go
• 26) Memories in Dragonflies
• Acknowledgments
• About the Author