Denver Death Cafe February
A write up of Denver Death Cafe February
By Anita Larson
Denver Death Café Summary
February 23, 2014
A beautiful sunny day in Denver as people gathered together at the historic Fairmount Mortuary for the monthly Denver Death Café. Kevin Torres and Neha Sheth from Channel 9News were there to film and interview those who agreed to be on air for an upcoming Storyteller’s segment. Many thanks to Michael Long with Fairmount for hosting the event and providing refreshments. Michael announced that the next time Fairmount hosts in April they will be offering Historic Cemetery Tours after the Death Café. I post updates and announcements regularly on our Facebook page so like us at www.facebook.com/denverdeathcafe
There were a variety of faiths and religions present along with some death care professionals. Topics of discussion included: funeral wishes, near death experiences, medical forms or advance directives needed and what to say or do when someone is grieving. Many first time attendees joined us for the respectful conversations. Words used to describe the experience of participating in a Death Café included: compassionate, neat, uplifting, pleasant, validating, interesting, thought provoking, comfortable, provocative and unexpected.
“I want a motorcycle procession and a fun party for my funeral.”
“I want a choir!”
“I want my ashes spread on a hiking trail in New Zealand.”
“My relative’s cremains are still in my garage. Years later, we are trying to decide what to do with these. If you are going to be cremated, have a plan for your ashes and put it in writing.”
“My uncle says he will not go to a nursing home. If I try to make him go – he will offer to drive. On the way there, he will stop the car on the railroad tracks and it will be the end for both of us. Funny now, but he’s not kidding!”
“75% of people die in the hospital or ICU – not in the comfort of their own homes.”
“No One Dies Alone is a program that provides volunteers who offer a reassuring presence at the bedside of a dying patient who would otherwise be alone. This program is offered at several local hospitals.”
“When someone dies, avoid the platitudes – “Gone to a better place, such a shame, it was God’s plan, etc.” Instead, listen – be there and do say, “I’m sorry”.
For the first time attendees, I asked the question, “What did people say to you when you mentioned you were going to a Death Café?”
“My 101 year old mother lives with us and she reminded us that we had a meeting to go to.”
“Our whole office wanted to come to this!”
The next Denver Death Café will be Sunday, March 16th from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Heflebower Funeral Services in Highlands Ranch, CO.
“Live every day as if it were your last, because one day you’ll be right.”
With Gratitude,
Anita Larson, Facilitator & Celebrant
denverdeathcafe@gmail.com
Comments
I would like to attend the next meeting.my email is sgndad@gmail.com
Posted by Thomas Norton
I would like to attend a meeting. My e-mail is
sfenney@aol.com
Thank you...
Posted by Susan Fenney