Death Cafe write-ups
Blue Ridge Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Blue Ridge Death Cafe on March 15, 2015, 5:40 p.m.
Thirteen people met at the Old City Cemetery to luanch our first Blue Ridge Death Cafe.
Over Blueberry Pound Cake new and old friends engaged in conversation that was candid, open and life-giving.
Thanks to all who came today!
Death Cafe in Reno, Nevada Write up
Posted by Paula Schneider on March 10, 2015, 7:27 p.m.
Our death cafe had 22 in attendance and the evaluations they completed indicated they felt their time was well spent. The creation of advance directives continues to be an ongoing popular topic in our death cafes, and there are always interesting discussions around this important subject. For the second time, the local deaf community joined in the discussions with the help of two signing interpreters and the hosts felt their attendance enriched the death cafe considerably.
We had another interesting meeting. There were 7 of us that talked about what is happening in our society and the range of options that are now, or soon to be available for end of life. It is so interesting to see the difference in how the conversation developes according to who is attending. I love the dynamics of this group!!
Death Cafe of Columbia County Write up
Posted by Columbia County, NY on March 4, 2015, 2:24 p.m.
This DC write-up is by a lovely young woman who joined our DC last month at TSL. I am inspired by her kind words and shared enthusiasm on the topic of death and dying.
“The meeting was just wonderful and it is such a fantastic opportunity to have a secure place and an open forum where we can talk freely about death. It is something that I do in my personal life already but to attend an organized event with other members from my community was something else all together and so inspiring. Our discussion offered so much gratification… I am also glad to be meeting people around ...
Death Cafe of Columbia County Write up
Posted by Columbia County, NY on March 4, 2015, 2:22 p.m.
The first Death Cafe of Columbia County was a beautiful sharing of experience and perspectives.
Almost immediately it became quite clear that the venue was the perfect match for such a difficult topic of conversation. Those attending the event expressed how comfortable and safe they felt at TSL.
After a review of your comments, and the cooperation of TSL, we have scheduled the second Death Cafe to take place in the cafe space from 10am-12pm, which is PRIOR to the day of scheduled showings. There should be very few 'spectators' and the amount of people 'floating' around the space sholud be at a minimum.
We want to feel ...
Denver Death Cafe February 2015 Write up
Posted by Anita Larson on March 3, 2015, 4:19 p.m. 1 comment
Denver Death Café Summary
February 15, 2015
Thank you to Charlene Mason with Porter Place for hosting the February 2015 Denver Death Café. Although there were a few snow flurries, everyone felt warm and cozy in this inviting space. Anita Larson baked a homemade chocolate cake and Porter Place served hot tea and coffee.
The open conversations started with a question on how to best provide long distance support to a dying relative. One attendee mentioned that he faxed a cartoon to the hospital everyday. It was intended to give his loved one a laugh or chuckle for the day and it did just that. Additionally, the hospital ...
Flagstaff February Death Cafe Write up
Posted by aleia@furthershore.org on March 3, 2015, 2:59 p.m.
The cafe was attended by 35 diverse, but connected through our "enthusiasm for talking about death" patrons! Themes shared in round table discussions included: death with dignity, palliative care, caring for the dying who are without mental capacity (such as with Altzehiemer's). Some of the gratitudes expressed were for: community, humor, courage, acceptance of all ideas; willingness to be vulnerable and honest; safety. One comment: "My perspective on death has today, lead to my forging friendships with total strangers!"
Death Cafe Orlando Write up
Posted by Sarah Elizabeth Walter on March 3, 2015, 11:37 a.m.
On a grey, rainy afternoon in late February, eleven strangers sought each other out to discuss the topic of death and all things related Orlando’s second Death Cafe. Despite the weather, our participant’s spirits were not dampened over the course of our two hour event – if anything, a merrier group was never seen in the face of what can often be a difficult, challenging conversation.
Gathered in a loose circle — on sofas, in chairs, on the floor, attendees took part in a group discussion on matters of life and death that ranged from one’s first awareness of death, to last wishes and everything in between ...
Death Cafe in Norwich, VT Write up
Posted by eolmidwife on March 3, 2015, 10:05 a.m.
I have been wanting to host one of these since I heard about them! It was fun and enlightening. We held it in the library community room. My daughter made a coffee cake. I also served coffee, tea, grapes and cookies. Seven people attended and we had a lively conversation.
I wish I had spent more time planning and publicizing the event. At least 10 people said they wish they could have joined us but had other commitments. I am already working on setting up other Cafes in different venues in the community!
Death Cafe Red Bluff Write up
Posted by ovaccenter on March 1, 2015, 8:18 p.m. 1 comment
I have been attending meetings at the Death Cafe here in Red Bluff for several months now. When I first heard about the idea of a group of people getting together to talk about death, I must confess, I was not sure anyone would be interested. I could not imagine more than one meeting, but we are still going strong after several months. Most of the original group is still attending and our hostess provides leadership and every month she surprises us with the most wonderfully delicious dessert. Our discussions range from what kind of burial we might want or do we want to be cremated, to the ...
Death Cafe Louisville Write up
Posted by Justin Magnuson on March 1, 2015, 4:31 p.m.
This was the first cafe of the year, each cafe I learn a little more about being a host for Death Cafe Louisville. This cafe was the first one not promoted by Rainbow Blossom, the location we are currently using, so this is a piece of the puzzle that provided a little challenge.
We had four participants plus two hosts, which provided plenty of opportunity for participation. We discussed many aspects of death, but the main threads revolved around "knowing" when to transition from curative treatment to palliative care and creating community to care for each other as we age.
Another memorable part of the conversation was being ...
Invito a partecipare al Death Cafe, conversazione aperta sulla morte e sul morire Write up
Posted by Elisabetta Lucchi on Feb. 27, 2015, 2:55 p.m.
The seventeenth Death Cafe, which was held in Verona on the 26th January, was a “mini” event with two participants. In any case, the conversation was, as always, very lively and stimulating!
What comes to mind when we hear the word “death”?
“I think about how I’m here now and afterwards I won’t be here anymore”;
“I question myself about the meaning of life;”
“I realize that I don’t spend enough time on the things that are meaningful for me”;
“the skull and crossbones comes to mind as it’s a symbol of death and danger (and pirates!)”;
“I think about funerals and how people ...
Windy City Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Kathy Miller, LCPC on Feb. 23, 2015, 8:13 a.m.
Two former and one new guests braved the elements to create a cozy and intimate Windy City Death Cafe on Friday, 2/20. Our former guests, a funeral director/officiant and a hospital chaplain, had, fittingly, officiated at a funeral and attended a wake earlier in the day. Topics of conversation included the experience of witnessing death in a professional capacity while managing the attendant emotions, Atul Gawande's book Being Mortal, the medicalization of death (and birth, as discussed by our new guest), home vs hospital deaths, cultural practices around birth and death, and Edna St Vincent Millay's poem Dirge Without Music. A lovely, warm evening ...
Death Cafe Ciudad de México Write up
Posted by Luisa Ruiz on Feb. 22, 2015, 4:51 p.m.
Last Wednesday it was the first Death Cafe in Mexico City. We were 9 in total: 3 men and 6 women. We started it at 7:30 p.m. and finished at 9:30 p.m.
We gathered in one group and talked about how cultures celebrate death, some movies related to the topic. But most of it, personal experiences like diseases, relatives who have died, etc.
I really enjoyed it and I´m looking forward to the next one in March.
Death Cafe Carson City Write up
Posted by Paula Schneider on Feb. 22, 2015, 10:16 a.m.
Eighteen participants gathered together to discuss end-of-life issues. Many questions surfaced about how to get "the conversations" started with reluctant family members, so we began our time together by talking about the importance of everyone creating an advance directive and how to use this as an opportunity to open dialogue with family. Our time together was fruitful and beautiful, as our view of the Sierras was prominent from our courtyard setting.