Ann Arbor Death Cafe, June 2014
A write up of Ann Arbor Death Cafe
We had a particularly wonderful cafe last Saturday. Eighteen people attended and most (13) were there for the first time. Here's the follow up email I sent out to those who attended:
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for coming to Death Cafe on Saturday. It was a particularly wonderful cafe. I hope you'll come back.
Diana has cleared up some information about DNR, or Do Not Resuscitate, orders. I'm passing this on below.
The link to the movie Choosing to Die is here. I guess you can watch it in full on YouTube. Thanks for bringing that up, Linda.
Ele's Place is the name of the wonderful local organization that helps children and their family's grieve. At Ele's Place they have things like a coffin in the sandbox to help normalize children's experiences and give them a place to play.
When we leave "suggestions" instead of "instructions" it may make it easier for our survivors, or those in decision-making positions, to decide what to do.
Here's what Wikipedia has to say about Professional Mourners:
"Professional mourning or paid mourning is a mostly historical occupation practiced in Mediterranean andNear Eastern cultures and many other parts of the world. Professional mourners, also called moirologists, are compensated to lament or deliver a eulogy. Mentioned in the Bible, the occupation is widely invoked in literature, from the Ugaritic epics of early centuries BC to modern poetry. Held in high esteem in some cultures and times, the practice was vilified in others.
In Honoré de Balzac's landmark 1835 novel Le Père Goriot, the title character's funeral is attended by two professional mourners rather than his daughters."
I will mull over the idea of a workshop or discussion for decision-makers. Perhaps something like this already exists.
Thanks again. Hope to see you soon.
Merilynne
Comments
This is wonderful that we can share info with other groups around the world. Thanks to Merilynne for contributing notes from our meeting. I'll be making time to read others' write ups.
Posted by Linda (too)