Let's Meet at the...Death Cafe??

Death and taxes are two things you can't avoid, and I suspect most of us would prefer discussing the latter over the former. 

In the U.S., the subject of death is taboo unless we have to deal with it once a loved one passes. When that happens, different questions may arise. How do you plan a funeral? Cremation or burial? What do you experience when you die? These are big, uncomfortable, and scary questions about our mortality, and although we may not have all the answers, we can discuss these issues at a death cafe.

So, what the heck is a death cafe? Simply put, a death cafe is a casual meeting open to anyone who wants to talk about various aspects of death in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment. And it's anything but morbid (pardon the pun). It can often be held at actual cafes or, more increasingly, at libraries with snacks and beverages.

It's important to keep in mind that a death cafe is not a grief support group. Sometimes, but not always, professionals in the death care industry (yes, that's what it's called) are present to help answer questions pertaining to their specialties. Included may be morticians, embalmers, death doulas, hospice nurses, cemetery caretakers, and crematorium technicians among others.

What are your thoughts? Would you go to a death cafe if one was held in our library? Share with us!

Wishing you the best from the perch.