'Death, Dying, and Dessert' Discussion Group at Livonia Civic Center Library

-
Click to enlarge flyer.
Have you ever wanted to talk about a funeral or a friend’s passing but couldn’t find anyone to listen? How about planning ahead and letting people know about your own wishes for end-of-life care? These and other topics are encouraged at Livonia’s new “Death, Dying, and Dessert” discussion group, which began in October, and will continue the second Monday of each month through April 2016. The group will meet in the Michigan Room of the Civic Center Library from 7 – 8:30 p.m. All are welcome. Tea, coffee, and cake are provided, and there is no charge.

Across the country, similar groups have sprung up that promote open conversation about death and dying, including the very popular “Death Café” and the less well-known “Death and Dying Dinner Parties.” Church and community groups have begun offering advance directives workshops and adult education classes about planning ahead.

“These groups recognize that death, once accepted as a part of life, has become a taboo topic. They aim to change that by normalizing the conversation,” said Merilynne Rush, RN, an experienced death educator, and facilitator of “Death, Dying, and Dessert.” “After all, death is the one thing everyone has in common.”

The “Death, Dying, and Dessert” discussion group is not a grief support group. Neither is it an opportunity to give or receive advice. But those who want a chance to share their story and listen openly to others are encouraged to attend.

“There is no presentation. The participants lead the conversation,” Rush said.

All adults are welcome. For more information, contact Merilynne Rush at (734) 395-9660.

“Death, Dying, and Dessert” is hosted by Angela Hospice.

About Merilynne Rush
Merilynne Rush, RN, is a retired hospice nurse and home birth midwife. She first became interested in home funerals and natural burial in 2008, and now serves on the board of directors of the Green Burial Council. Rush also spent two years on the board of the National Home Funeral Alliance, a nationwide network of those advocating for personal choice in caring for their own dead. Rush holds a bachelor’s in humanities and women’s studies from Michigan State University, and a bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Michigan. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in hospice and palliative care at Madonna University.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Room for Brian

-
Image
   Angela Hospice's donor-supported Care Center     provided Brian with the care he needed -- and        brought his family peace of mind. The Angela Hospice Care Center has always been a community-driven labor of love. From its construction in the early 1990s; to its expansion a decade and a half later; and right through to the present, where day-to-day operations are supported by the generosity of donors and friends – the Care Center is a rare and valuable community resource made possible by Angela Hospice’s caring supporters. It’s also a godsend for families like the Wilson’s. When their son came to stay with them over Christmas last year, the brain tumor he had been determined to fight for nearly 11 years began to overcome him. At 30 years old, Brian was 6’2” and his disease had progressed to the point that he could no longer walk on his own. How would his parents take care of him in their home that was not wheelchair accessible? The Angela Hospice Care Center prov
Read more

Volunteer Spotlight: Ingrid Lasley

-
Image
Name: Ingrid Lasley How long have you been a volunteer? I started volunteering about 2 ½ years ago. What areas do you work in/what sort of tasks do you do as a volunteer? I cover the receptionist desk for lunch hours, which includes telephone calls. I have covered Tree of Life shifts for the past 2 years and plan to volunteer again this season. I also have been involved in numerous mailings and last year’s Walk of Remembrance. What made you decide to become a volunteer? I stopped working a few years ago and decided I could use my spare time best by volunteering. I am enjoying every minute! Why Angela Hospice? Ingrid with fellow volunteer Geri Orlowski My mother passed away in 2012 in Buffalo, NY, and after witnessing the treatment my mother received at a hospice facility there, I knew I wanted to be part of such a kind and caring group. What is your favorite part about volunteering? I have enjoyed meeting so many people who have demonstrated so many ways one can g
Read more

Detroit Catholic Central Moms Celebrate Hospice Workers During COVID-19

-
Image
A group of Detroit Catholic Central High School moms decided they wanted to do something special for our clinical staff, who have been working so hard in the midst of this stressful COVID-19 health crisis. The women coordinated with nurse Kelly Campbell, Home Care Clinical Supervisor for Angela Hospice, whose son recently graduated from Catholic Central. On Wednesday, the group set up 40 handmade signs outside our Care Center facility and along the driveway, to encourage and cheer our healthcare workers. They also tied big white ribbons around the trees to show support for front-line medical staff. Helen Balmforth, Angela Hospice Development and Special Events Manager, related that some staff members teared up when they saw what the Catholic Central moms had done. “I think, for some, it’s an emotional release to see that,” Helen explained. “I think it has a real impact on people.” The group also brought two large cases of toilet paper. Each roll is individually wrapped so staff
Read more