We had quality rather than quantity, with a small group of five wonderful kindred spirits (a few didn't make it), and remembered that Jon Underwood started with only 6 people at his first Death Cafe. The small number attending gave the Death Cafe an excellent start, and plenty of time to share stories, dialogue, drink tea and eat cake, with no pressure of time and space. We learned so much from one another, valuing each unique experience we were honoured to share.

Apart from a shared loss of family and friends, content also ranged from a graphic Near Death Experience (NDE), a funeral pyre in the Ganges, to Life Gems and Eternal Reefs. Living to 105? inspired some quirky exchanges and news of a plucky NZ great-grandmother who skydived at 91 years young to tick off her bucket list! Some thoughtful dialogue on cremation and ceremony, green burials, family plots and dying at home surrounded by loved ones.

The conversation was so engaging we went over the 2 hours allotted. Feedback included words like "enlightening" "fascinating" "privileged" "stimulating" "wisdom" "enjoyed". We also shared a lot of laughs, a touching eulogy poem, a "Reach Out To Life" song on the ukulele, and look forward to returning for the next Death Cafe on Sunday 27 April 1pm-3pm. Heart-felt gratitude to all who attended and made this such a FUNtastic 1st Death Cafe launch in Wellington. Watch this Space! 

NB: For privacy reasons, I've not posted photos of the group but the church venue with the beautiful window is a nice touch.