Wowzzza! The  area's first ever Death Cafe was terrific. Being a 74 degree Sunday afternoon, I was amazed to have 7 folks attend, none of whom knowing exactly what to expect. We had such a meaningful chat that as I  drew the afternoon to a close I asked if  anyone was interested in meeting again in July and every one said yes. Date TBD as I have to commune w/ the shop owner about details. 

 

In attendance was a retired physician who'd buried her husband of many years, a married couple (he'd buried his first wife) a gal who'd buried her sister when the sister was 44, a woman who was orphaned at age 13, and 2 other folks who hadn't experienced a significant death. It wasn't a grief or bereavement  driven conversation by any stretch; I'm just giving you the 'death profile' of the attendees. 

 

I gave the Death Cafe intro. and then we intro'd ourselves. We discussed 4 primary topics: What do  you think is on the other side of death, what is the  fear of death actually about, did you talk about death with the loved ones you cared for as they were dying and if not, why not, and lastly, we talked about our family of origin's views/traditions around death/funerals. These weren't established topics; instead, one person brought up the subject and each subsequent participant felt compelled to speak to it until we'd gone around the circle with each of these 4 themes.  Other comments were made here and there, but if no one felt moved to pick up the topic and share about it themselves, the subject rested w/ the original speaker. It was very free flowing, and there was enough unity among these strangers to make for a very smooth conversation that needed very little facilitation. The 2 hours went by like 20 minutes. 

 

 I've gotten 3 inquires since Sunday from folks saying they were unable to attend but would like to be informed of future events. July and August events are TBD. This experience is  wonderful and amazing. My gratitude to all who support this world wide effort.