To sip, perchance to dream at Death Café

It might seem that the growth of Death Cafés is a bad thing. But, as they are a harbinger not of more deaths but more support around loss, it’s actually a good thing.

A new Death Café, hosted and facilitated by Laura Lathrop, doctor of nursing practice and retired certified hospice and palliative care nurse practitioner, will take place this Monday, Jan. 13, at the Coronado Shores Beach Clubhouse in Gleneden Beach.

The objective is to “increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives”

“There is no agenda,” Lathrop said. “It’s just a space for people to come and talk and share what is going on with them.”

Death Cafés were created as places for open conversations about the end of life. All are welcome to attend. Anything on your mind about death is accepted in the conversation: comments, stories, hopes, fears; anything and everything is on the table. There will be no promotions.

The first Death Café was held in September 2011 and the movement has spread across Europe, North America, Australia and Asia. They are nonprofit, with volunteers hosting and facilitating the conversation.

“Our gathering is registered on the international Death Café website,” Lathrop said. “It’s not a grief group, just a place to share."

Lathrop moved to the Oregon Coast from Minnesota six years ago.

“I have worked in hospice and palliative care for decades, primarily in the hospital setting, and have a deep appreciation for those with advanced illness and their families,” she said. “I decided to form a café in my new community since we have all experienced losses, especially during COVID.”

This is the second café organized by Lathrop and, hopefully, not the last.

“We are taking it one café at a time,” she said. “Our first wasn’t well attended but we did a much better job this time getting the word out so hopefully we will have more people that want to gather with us in support.”

Cake and tea will be available during the conversation.

The café begins at 5 pm at the Coronado Shores Beach Clubhouse, located at 255 Shore Drive in Gleneden Beach. For more information, email lathrop1@icloud.com.