December 2023 Report
A write up of Shepherdstown WV Death Cafe: Tea, Cake and Conversation
For our inaugural offering, we had 11 community members come for tea and cake (gratefully received), amazing conversation, and not a little laughter.
Tracy opened the session with a reading of Mary Oliver's "When Death Comes".
The usual round of introductions included an invitation to "tell us why you are here" - prompting lovely stories, with much head nodding and affirmation around the circle.
Questions ranged from, "Why do we not want to tell people that we are sick until it's too late?" to "What do you want to come back as in your next life?"
Several wonderful books were mentioned as resources:
- "The Book of Two Ways" by Jodi Picoult
- "The Collected Regrets of Clover: A Novel" by Mikki Brammer
- "Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?: A Memoir" by Roz Chast
- "Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End" by Atul Gawande
To wrap up the session, Tracy invited attendees to take a card from the "Death Deck" she had brought, to think about the question posed, talk about it with family and friends, and bring it back to the next meeting.
We are all already looking forward to continuing the conversation in the new year!
Comments
Thank you so much for facilitating this important conversation. Looking forward to February.
I was told at the front desk that you are scheduled for the next six months.
I am doing a FaceTime "book club" with a friend on Eastern Body Western Mind - about the chakras. I can't wait until Sunday so that we can discuss my card - sending a post death message to someone. (I have done the reverse - having conversations with those who have passed.) Have a wonderful Christmas.
Posted by Kerstin Budlong