Disney's "UP" Deals with Grief and Loss

I took my 6 year old daughter to see the new Disney movie "Up" today, expecting some good wholesome laughs. I got plenty of those - the movie really is funny - but I was surprised to find myself moved to tears. At the heart of this great family film is an elderly man who is grieving the loss of his wife and regretting unkempt promises.

I'm pretty sure most people were able to gloss over the guilt and sadness the lead character was feeling and focus on the comedy and action of the movie, but I wasn't. It made me think of the promises my husband and I have made to each other - the places we'll travel and things we'll do before we grow old and die. It reminded me that life really is short and that if we keep putting those things off, they might not happen.

Leave it to a hospice nurse to find valuable life and death lessons buried in a Disney movie. I encourage you to stop putting off your goals and promises to yourself and others. There's no better time than now to do the things you've been dreaming of.

If you're a palliative care and hospice patient, it may still be possible for you to travel to that special place you've always wanted to visit. Here are 10 Travel Tips for Patients to get you started.

If you are a caregiver, you too can take a much deserved trip. Find out how with Respite Care for Caregivers.

If you're grieving the loss of your life partner, find valuable information on grief and mourning and visit the Palliative Care Forum for support and advice from others.