End of Life Education will begin its autumn 2026 series of classes on Thursday, Sept. 17, and will also be meeting on Thursdays, Sept. 24, Oct. 15, Oct. 29, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10.
If we need some extra times, we will add a few Tuesdays in October.
I realize that this is no one’s favorite topic of study, but I cannot count the times that people have said to me how important and helpful these sessions have been.
This fall we will be working with our county coroner and his assistants on a list of things that need to be done because most families are dealing with shock and grief and do not know what to do or where to begin. It is most important to face it that this is a crucial time that people are never prepared for. For people who have led a planned-for and orderly life, this can be even more difficult, and there is much to be learned to help everyone involved.
The meetings will begin at 1 p.m. at the Community United Methodist Church, 434 Lewis St., in the fellowship hall with the side door right off the parking lot. The front doors are often locked if there are no other activities.
On Sept. 17 we will be meeting with our Archuleta County coroner, Brad Hunt, and possibly some of his assistants.
The state of Colorado has made a coroner’s job much more involved with every person who dies in our state.
Hunt will tell us what needs to be done, plus with all the experience he has had, there is much that he knows about death and dying. Bring all of your questions and we will stay until they are answered. You don’t know what all you may learn.
On Sept. 24, we are planning on hearing from our emergency response team who shows up with the ambulance when 911 is called. Here again is a crisis that is much better handled when people are prepared. This is when the do-not-resuscitate paper needs to be on the refrigerator. Huge decisions are made at this time, and being prepared can be a life-or-death situation.
Other topics for the fall of 2026 include a meeting with a local funeral director, a detailed presentation on the many new more natural options for burial and cremation, such as water cremation and terramation, which is quickly turning a body into soil, and more topics.
There is so much to learn. We are also planning on more time for large- and small-group discussions so you can explore your thoughts and feelings. I hope you will help yourself.
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