I am so excited to tell you all about what I've been up to lately and about all of the fun things that are upcoming! I continue to be blessed by having the right people and the right opportunities placed in my path, at the right time. I am so grateful to you all!
Before I Die New Mexico Festival - October 16th - October 21st in Albuquerque
The Before I Die New Mexico Festival will take place at different locations each day in the Albuquerque metropolitan area October 16-21, 2023. The festival has entertaining and educational elements, including field trips to funeral homes and cemeteries, speakers and group discussions, comedy and games, Death Cafe and Death Over Draft conversations, and more! Selected sessions will be available online as hybrid events, with audiences participating both in-person and via Zoom. This schedule will be updated with additional details as speakers are scheduled.
As part of the festival, I'll be participating in the following events and hope to see you there:
Death Over Drafts - Monday, October 16th, 6:00-8:00PM at Tin Can Alley
Death over Drafts is a casual and fun community event to spark connection and is part of a growing movement to destigmatize important conversations on end-of-life.
While this gathering provides an opportunity for those who serve in the end-of-life field to gather and reflect personally and professionally, when you join us at a Death over Drafts gathering, one thing is constant: all are welcome.
Death Over Draft Events are happening all over the United States.
This will be New Mexico's very first Death Over Drafts Event, Ever!
What Does a Death Doula Do?
Tuesday, October 17th, 2:00PM at Cooper Creations
- An Educational Panel with Death Doula Danielle, Genna Reeves, Ph.D. and Alix Peters.
Each of these three Death Doulas brings a different set of skills and different ways of working with their clients. Come hear their unique perspectives, what called each of them to work in the end of life space and how they are currently serving the community.
Mortuary Mall
Wednesday, October 18th, 11:00am-2:00pm at Sunset Memorial Park
This event is held outdoors at the pavilion near the Centennial Gardens – look at and learn about caskets, urns, and other funeral products and services. You can also tour the cemetery in one of Sunset Memorial Park’s golf carts!
Conscious Crossroads End-of-Life Services will have a table, come see me!
The Newly-Dead® Game
Friday, October 20th, 6:30PM at French's Funerals & Cremations, Rio Rancho
-Co-hosting with Martie McNabb, CSSH & Founder of Show & Tale
Couples are invited to participate in this fun game designed to test how well you know one another's last wishes. Bring a partner to play with (friend, child/parent, spouse/significant other)!
Interview on the TJ Trout Show
I had the pleasure of being interviewed by TJ Trout on KKOB News Radio 96.3 FM this past week. It was so much fun - he kept calling me "The Doula of Death" which makes me sound way cooler than I am! I really enjoyed the opportunity to talk about a challenging topic in a light-hearted way. During our chat, TJ bought up that his grandfather died when he was a young boy. His parents whisked him away to go stay with other relatives while they handled the funeral and other arrangements. He shared with us that the message he received about death at the time, was that it was something that his parents were trying to shield him from; as if death were something bad that warranted and required their protection.
I encourage everyone to take a moment and think about your first childhood memory surrounding death. What messages did you receive from the adults around you at the time? How have those messages shaped your views and beliefs surrounding death as an adult?
I am excited to announce that I am now a volunteer grief support group facilitator at The Grief Center in Albuquerque.
Grief Center Support Groups meet from September – May, and are open to children, teens, families and adults grieving the death of a loved one. All services are provided completely free of charge.
It can feel scary to join a group of strangers and talk about one of the worst experiences of your life. For children, teens and families, they provide an optional monthly “orientation” where the family can visit the Center before joining groups to learn about the program and get their questions answered. info@childrensgrief.org
The Grief Center of New Mexico is a 501c3 not-for-profit (Tax ID # 85-0474099) and is supported by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
I thank you for your continued support.
Your referral to a friend or loved one who recently received a life-limiting diagnosis, is processing grief and needs additional support, or is currently challenged by caretaking for a loved one with a life-limiting illness, is greatly appreciated.