John Aaron Wellness

“We cherish too, the Poppy red That grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies.”   - ‘We Shall Keep The Faith,’ by Moina Michael, November 1918 I've never fought in a war. As all humans, I have an innate fear of pain, of death. I don’t understand war, but for that matter, who does? Do soldiers? Do politicians? Self-preservation is an autonomic response; sacrifice, honor and personal conviction are not. The latter are the traits groomed into each soldier to strengthen character and resolve in the face of battle. In regard to war, I am weaker than I will ever care to admit, and for that reason I hold in high esteem those that fought in battle girding themselves in their hopes to preserve posterity. In their efforts, they wage a commodity more precious than imagination can hold. Like me, these brave, strong men and women were also afraid of pain and death, but managed to move through their terror to face an enemy th...

Today I would like to take a side step from writing tips on living life well and discuss the inevitable topic of death. The business of dying is a painful and difficult one that will be experienced by each of us. After losing several friends and family this year, I’ve more closely examined my own mortality and the funeral process. If you thought living was tough, have you considered the high cost of finding your final resting place? For example; while publishing an obituary in your local paper is a good way to remember a loved one and to alert family and friends of the death, some newspapers may run an obituary for an average of $50. Other cities may charge hundreds of dollars depending on the length of the obituary. Then, there are the costs of the funeral home and services; but not all funerals and funeral services are created equal. What’s the difference? Well, most funeral homes gain a loyal clientele based on family tradition. But you shouldn’t be married to any particular f...