A conversation many of us don't want to have
This is “an invitation to jump-start the conversations that most of America is not having.”
So begins a flyer around town that calls us to join in six days (Oct. 14-19) of Conversations On Living & Dying Well.
These events are organized by Bonner Community Hospice and North Idaho Palliative Care Coalition. Check out the full schedule at www.BonnerGeneralHealth.org.
Did you know that in the 14th-century, the word “conversation” meant “to live together?” I suspect it also had something to do with dying together also. Yes, “conversation” is much more about just talking and listening. It’s about living, and dying, together. So consider next week’s conversations.
Each day will focus on a particular event, but the thread that connects each event just may be the activities going on at the HUB, 119 First Ave. in downtown Sandpoint. A vacant storefront next to City Beach Organics is being transformed into the HUB for these conversations.
Monday-Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a variety of opportunities will be available. Shared conversations, art classes offered by the Pend Oreille Arts Council, music, Advance Directive Care Planning, and conversations about the Green Burial movement will happen. Oh yes, also a casket-weaving circle.
That’s the project I’m personally most curious about. People will be invited to help weave an actual casket. This project is connected to the green burial movement. Strange? Perhaps. Therapeutic for some? Likely. Intriguing regardless.
Have you heard of “Death Cafes” or “Death Over Dinner”? These conversation opportunities have been happening in our area for some time. But they will be highlighted during the week of conversations about living and dying well. Check the BGH website for more details.
For nature lovers, there will be a “Seasons of Life Stroll” at 4 p.m. on the Pend Oreille Bay Trail, led by Hospice volunteer Peter Gilmore. It’s a great opportunity to experience our place as persons living and dying in the wondrous environment we call the outdoors.”
KRFY Radio 88.5 FM will host an 8 a.m. live conversation on living and dying well. Some of the organizers of the week’s event will be heard: Dr. Nicole Pelly, Ginna Maus, Heidi Hampe and Lissa DeFreitas. Their insights will be worth considering.
On Saturday evening, the Panida Theater will be the scene of the week’s last event: “Living & Dying Well—Weaving It All Together”. The weaving will be a blending of short film clips, music, a panel discussion and community conversation about this topic too few of us are comfortable approaching: death and life in the midst of each other.
For some years, I’ve encouraged persons to deal honestly and lovingly with living and dying well. So I’m pleased that a concentrated effort is being made in our community to embrace this reality.
I believe those who participate in any of the many events and opportunities available can be strengthened in your affirmation of living well -- even as you anticipate a time when you can also die well.
It sounds like a paradox, doesn’t it. Take part in next week’s conversations, and you might change your mind.
Again, check out www.bonnergeneralhealth.org for more details on the “Conversations on Living and Dying Well.”
Paul Graves, M.Div., is Lead Geezer-in-Training for Elder Advocates. Contact him at 208-610-4971 or elderadvocates@nctv.com.