The Times, They Are A-Changing

Jan 18, 2017 | 0 comments

Hour glass with wingsThere’s a new administration taking power in Washington, D.C. this Friday. And, as Bob Dylan sang decades ago, the times, they are a changin’. One thing about life – as long as we live, there will be changes. Changes don’t matter much to the dead.

Many people say, “I don’t care what you do after I’m dead. I won’t be there.” This can be very hurtful to the family and friends who love this person. If people didn’t love you, they wouldn’t mourn your loss.

There’s a lot of Facebook discussion of this idea going on in response to my recent article, “Planning a Funeral: 8 Things Funeral Directors Want You to Know,” posted at the Sixty and Me website for older women. What do you think about honoring the life of someone you love, regardless of the disposition method?

Speaking of changing times, the time for Albuquerque Death Cafe this Saturday, January 21, has been pushed back an hour. The event will now take place from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at my home. RSVP for directions if you’d like to attend.

Links to recent posts at The Family Plot Blog, upcoming events and a funny quote follow. Please call 505.265.7215 if I can be of assistance!

Gail Rubin, The Doyenne of Death®

The Family Plot Blog Highlights

Click on the titles to read the blog post and see the associated videos. Review all posts on The Family Plot Blog or view just the Death Cartoons posted on the blog!

Use This Gesture of Respect to Reap Big Benefits  Whatever business you are in, here’s a customer interaction you can do in 90 seconds that will improve the perception of your company, from my article in ICCFA Magazine‘s January issue.

Three Myths About Burial Insurance  This guest post by Anthony Martin, owner and CEO of Choice Mutual, pulls back the curtains about a topic that can be very confusing.

Review: The New York Times Book of the Dead  You know you’ve arrived – and departed – when your life is chronicled in a news obituary in The New York Times. My book review is featured in the January/February issue of Funeral Business Advisor Magazine.

Upcoming Events and a Funny Quote

See the Calendar page for a full listing of events.

Friday, January 20, 2017, 2:00 p.m. — KICKING THE BUCKET LIST: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die talk at Alegria Community, 901 Cottonwood Circle, Bernalillo, NM.

ABQ Death Cafe tea serviceSaturday, January 21, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. — Albuquerque Death Cafe at Gail Rubin’s home. RSVP for address or join the Meetup Group.

Friday, February 10, 2017, 1:00 p.m. — “Laughing and Learning: An End-of-Life Workshop” at the University of New Mexico, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Albuquerque, NM. Fee: $20. Register online for class 79681.

Sunday, February 19, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.— Albuquerque Death Cafe at Gail Rubin’s home. RSVP for address or join the Meetup Group.

March 10-12, 2017Frozen Dead Guy Days in Nederland, Colorado, featuring The Newly-Dead Game and continuous showings of the documentary, “Grandpa’s in the TUFF Shed.”

Morris Hall logoSaturday, March 18 — Gail Rubin keynotes the Cancer Support Now conference in Albuquerque, NM. Her talk, titled “A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die,” is sponsored by Morris Hall, PLLC, a premier estate planning law firm.

“I’ve been on a calendar, but never on time.” — Marilyn Monroe

A Good Goodbye