I attended my first Death Cafe last fall, not knowing what to expect. Do people really gather in cafes around the world to talk about death and mortality⏤over tea and cake? The whole concept of something called a “death cafe” just seemed to me to trivialize death and grief. Couldn’t they have called it something …
In strange times like these, humans try to find some type of normalcy in their lives. Saturday Night Live comedians took to their sketch comedy show this weekend and aired via Zoom. Musicians are hosting concerts online. And numerous organizations have turned to virtual gatherings, as have families—like mine. During this time of isolation and …
On November 2, 2019, Iona Senior Services in Washington, DC hosted the area’s first End of Life Expo. I was honored to have been invited to have a booth there and met so many wonderful people. The event was completely sold out. One hundred and fifty, mostly seniors, attended the day-long expo. It was inspiring …
I grew up in the Washington, DC area so there is an ingrained connection we seem to all carry to cherry blossom trees. There is such beauty to these fragile pink flowers that do not live very long once they have bloomed. Naturally, a DC connection could be symbolism enough to make them perfect for …
The power of stories and the power of music. These are two things I firmly believe in to heal the human spirit. The arts literally saved this introvert growing up, so I know precisely where my need comes from to include it in all I do, especially Celebrations of Life. Music is affirming. Ever since …
