Denver Death Cafe May 2014
A write up of Denver Death Cafe
By Anita Larson
Denver Death Café Summary
May 18, 2014
Many thanks to Shannon Martin, Heather Yurka & staff with Olinger Hampden Mortuary for hosting the May Denver Death Cafe and providing the delicious cake from The Makery and refreshments. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/denverdeathcafe and follow us on Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/anitalarsonco/denver-death-cafe/
We welcomed several new conversationalists who listened to the Colorado Public Radio interview with Ryan Warner on the show Colorado Matters. It aired again this past Sunday and we received several more emails inquiring about our next gathering. In case you missed it, here’s the link to the broadcast: http://www.cpr.org/news/story/death-cafes-rise-colorado
We split up into four Death Discussion groups with about a dozen individuals in each group. Thank you to Greg Whitehair, Larry Larson & Patsy Barnes for moderating your groups.
Greg’s group discussed physician assisted death, why is there death suicide (not to be confused with physician assisted death), discussing death with family members not once – but several times.
Larry’s group discussed these questions: Why do people hold on at the very end of life? What would help you/others to let go? What would you do different today/tomorrow?
Patsy’s group discussed end of life care, what happens in the hospital when someone is dying, advance directives (forms, information one needs regarding a family member’s wishes) and the dying process.
Anita’s group discussed talking with family members about death, funerals, different religious perspectives & rituals, messages/signs from loved ones who have died, and near death experiences.
One word or short phrase describing your experience at the Denver Death Café: grateful, engaging, fulfilling, freeing, honest, frustrating, motivating, timely, warm, compassionate, nurturing, edifying, surprising, scary, bizarre, challenging, enlightening, unfinished, diverse, fun, joyful and fascinating!
“This is going to sound strange, but I can’t wait to die! This is all so positive!”
“Develop a close relationship with your Medical Power of Attorney so they know exactly what you do and don’t want.”
“We discussed topics that most people would shy away from. Each participant is courageous, wise and beautifully human in their strengths, limitations and pain.”
“Very grateful for the open discussions and have several action items to try.”
“My funeral is going to be by invitation only – if Michael Jackson can do that, so can I. I am writing a message to each person and what they meant to me.”
“I want one helluva celebration becuz I’ve had one helluva life!”
The next Denver Death Café will be Sunday, June 22nd from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Fairmount Mortuary, 430 S. Quebec St., Denver, CO 80247. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early so we may begin promptly at 3:00. No RSVP required. Historic Cemetery Tour following the Death Café (weather permitting).
“Talking about death leads to a good life.”
With Gratitude,
Anita Larson, Facilitator & Celebrant
denverdeathcafe@gmail.com