Revisions to the Before I Die Seminar in El Paso August 17

Aug 7, 2019 | 0 comments

After the mass shooting in El Paso on Saturday, August 3, changes are being made to the Before I Die El Paso seminar on Saturday, August 17. The event, sponsored by Perches Funeral Homes and the El Paso Funeral Museum, will still take place from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 6111 South Desert Blvd. in El Paso, Texas.

“While I use humor to help break down people’s resistance to discussing death, it’s hard to laugh about death when this grim reality currently affects the entire community,” said Gail Rubin, CT, the featured speaker known as The Doyenne of Death®. “During the El Paso Before I Die seminar, we will recognize the serious hurt the mass shooting has inflicted. We will still have funny film clips within my talks, to illustrate important points about planning ahead for mortality issues. “

The August 17 event will have two Death Cafe sessions to provide an opportunity for people to discuss what’s on their minds about mortality issues, with no agenda. An additional presentation, “Lessons on Grief and Mourning in Cartoons,” has been added to the schedule.

Special Community Event on Friday, August 16

Lux Lucet In Tenebris is Latin meaning “Light Shining in the Darkness” – a window at La Paz Faith

A community event will be held on Friday, August 16 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.at La Paz Faith, a historic church that has become the largest indoor columbarium in El Paso. The two-hour event, designed to bring the community together and bring light in this dark time, will feature addresses by Salvadore Perches, CEO of Perches Funeral Homes, and Gail Rubin, Certified Thanatologist. La Paz is located in downtown El Paso at 1201 N. Piedras Street.

Before I Die Seminar Schedule

All events take place at Perches West Side Funeral Home and Funeral Museum, 6111 South Desert Blvd., El Paso, TX 79932 (915) 581-0102

El Paso Funeral Museum

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mortuary Mall display of funeral and cremation products, with staff to answer questions, register attendees and conduct tours.

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Gail Rubin, a pioneer of the Death Café movement in the United States, facilitates Death Café conversations with attendees. This is an opportunity to discuss what’s on your mind about mortality issues, with no agenda. Refreshments will be served.

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Panel on Hospice and Medical Aid in Dying with representatives from a local hospice and Compassion and Choices.

11:00 a.m. to noon “Why It’s Good to Downsize and Clear Clutter – and How to Do It” presentation by Gail Rubin based on information in her book, Kicking The Bucket List.

Noon to 1:00 p.m. Lunch and Learn about estate planning issues with a local attorney.

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Gail Rubin presents “How Can Funeral Planning Be Funny?” a talk that features humorous film and TV show clips illustrating funeral planning issues.

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Gail Rubin presents “How to Discuss Medical Issues with Doctors and Families” with film clips to illustrate how doctors, patients and families can improve medical care conversations.

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. “Everything You Want to Know About Death ** But Were Afraid to Ask” panel discussion with a funeral director, a death doula, a hospice representative, and a funeral celebrant field questions from the audience.

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Gail Rubin presents “Lessons on Grief and Mourning in Cartoons.” Clips from two Pixar films illustrate the power of expressing sadness and relying on community during times of loss.

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The day closes with another opportunity to engage in Death Café discussions. Refreshments will be served.

RSVP by August 12 for this free event here.

A Good Goodbye