While Thinking with a FB Group About the New Year, 2018 and how our late teen son would have been 25 on Jan 6th.

Having a FB Memory Page for a Loved One is a rather new way to mark the transition of  a person from this earthly realm while keeping a sense of the social ties that enriched their life. Such is the case regarding the passing of our 16-year-old son Kaelan Alexander Palmer Paton of Sharon CT in June of 2009, 8 years ago. He would have been 25 on January 6th, 2018 (having been born 1-6-93 shortly after midnight.)

I recount many events and ideas on his memorial facebook page with a few hundred people on it, hoping to keep the inspiration of his life and final acts of courage and trying to save others in a meaningful context. There was quite a bit of coverage about the events on his last day of school at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in my hometown of Falls Village CT. There is a more extensive 'back story' on this blog calle Remembering Kaelan Alexander Palmer Paton. We all have loved ones gone to glory. With three of his grandparents, my parents and his paternal grandfather Sandy Paton as well as other relatives and friends heavenside, I feel Kealan is still in the company of loved ones.

I appreciate the efforts of many to share these theories and others that help us feel out way gently along the 'edge of this life' in terms of the possibitilites and meanings, many of which correlate with wider held spiritual beliefs in general. A greater sense of a love from above is something I find comforting to lean into and hold out to others as well when they share their stories and concerns, which has also been an ongoing experience over the past many years. I am looking forward to being part of a healing team of messengers about the field of End of Life Doula support for more people to have ways to think about making plans for end of life that supports their values and social ties and customs.

A groundswell of support to 'come in a bit closer' to challenging situations and face the 'unknown' or difficult with a sense or shared courage and capability is catching on, sometimes with leaders such as Suzanne O'Brien being a caring, competent advocate and trainer to help others step into these roles. See the free and other programs on www.doulagivers.org. Planning ahead for the next year is sensible and so is thinking through the main points of one's life, including the 'end zone.'

Peace and good will toward all efforts and people working to grow community and care throughout all stages of life. Here is the most recent post from  the FB Memorial page. Kaelan's service is on youtube to help people reflect on the sense of community and ways to celebrate someone's life with traditions they enjoyed while walking the earth.

Wishing Everybuddy HugEnergy in the New Year to do the Next Good Thing that Brightens One's Situation...maybe over the course of a few days, helping oneself and others in one's circles. The little things count..help around the house, shopping (for good food and making a meal and enjoying the company of others without screens, just a thought.)

Maybe a couple of people helping someone else out with a few bigger chores, nothing too strenuous, but the jist of checking in on one another, especially in the cold or if someone is older.. we all know but can use the reminder in the midst of merry-making.