Good Death/Good Life Cafe with Hope Bowden

Join us in person for thought-provoking conversations about what makes a good death and a good life. This is a relaxed space to learn, share stories, ask questions, and connect with others on these important topics. Don't miss out on this unique experience!

End of life is a natural part of the human experience, but most of us were never taught how to talk about it, plan for it, or support the people we love through it. The result is often confusion, fear, and regret - for patients, families, and caregivers. The time for these conversations is now, no matter what your age is.

During this FREE 90-minute community gathering, we'll explore practical, philosophical, and emotional facets of aging, caregiving, and end of life in clear, compassionate language. Topics that come up may be advanced planning, grief, comfort at the bedside, etc. You'll be invited (never forced) to share your thoughts, ask questions, listen to others, and learn simple ways to support yourself and the people you care about.

Inspired by the global Death Cafe movement, this is not a grief support group or a therapy session. It is a safe, respectful forum where we have the opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect.

Who this is for:

Adults of all ages who want to feel more comfortable talking about death so they can be more prepared and less afraid to face their own and/or a loved one's aging, serious illness, and end of life.

What to bring:

Yourself, a notebook if you like to take notes, and a willingness to listen and share as you feel comfortable.

Emotional safety:

Due to the topics that will be discussed, there is always the possibility that you will have some tender feelings about something. You are welcome to step out and take a break at any time. Your privacy is respected and your emotional well-being is of the utmost importance.

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Hope Bowden is a school counselor, mom, grandma, musician, and Doulagivers End of Life Doula. Hope’s husband had a stroke at the age of 39. Ever the optimist, she was certain he would pull through. Hospice wasn’t there to help her understand that what she was witnessing over the course of those 3 days was his end of life. The shock and confusion were traumatic. The whirlwind of decision-making about end of life issues they had never discussed was overwhelming. So when she discovered Doulagivers, she felt an undeniable pull to learn how to guide and support others through this final stage of the human experience; to help them with all aspects of preparation, to understand the biological process of dying, to feel less afraid, and to find a sense of peace about end of life.

As an End of Life Doula, Hope offers community education, Peace of Mind Planning sessions, and holistic, non-medical end-of-life support so that individuals and families feel more prepared and capable, allowing them to be more present and connected for this final step of life's journey.

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Host or Publisher Hope Bowden