It is always amazing to me how things change, and it’s the most consistent thing in life.
Previously, I said that End-of-Life Education will be taking a break until 2025. We did have a short unintended, one month break. But, now we have a new “permanent” meeting place and a regular time each month to meet. We will be meeting the third Thursday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Community United Methodist Church fellowship hall on Lewis Street.
For 2024 that will be Oct. 17, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19.
Programs are in the process of being planned. If you have something you want to learn about or have other suggestions, mention it at the Oct. 17 meeting or, better, write a short note with details for the planning committee to read.
With November and December being “the holiday season,” we know that some people do not want to meet. But, it may also be a time that people need support and extra care. We will probably have some films that those missing the meetings can view at a different time. But, we may also have a guest speaker who will be visiting her family in Pagosa for the holidays, if it works out. There are many people involved with complicated lives and this is a difficult, complex topic.
We will be able to see more films at the church because there are so many good ones available.
Each will be followed by a group discussion. Please also make film suggestions with a one- to four-star rating and tell us how they can be accessed.
On Oct. 17, we will have a speaker born, raised and still living in Durango — Dr. Erin Clarkinson. She is board certified in internal medicine, specializes in palliative medicine and is a hospice physician.
She will be telling us what Dignity Care Colorado is about and she will take time for any questions. This is going to be another deep, long, serious meeting and discussion. Please come prepared to slow down and relax as much as possible, to hear the talk and formulate questions. Please bring cookies or a snack because coffee and teas will definitely be available and comfort foods work.
Our last session in August was not as good as it could have been. That’s called life. We learned that it can be extra difficult when a doctor gets suddenly and unexpectedly ill.
Fortunately Dr. Joanna Estes was able, at the last minute, to bring her co-worker, Dr. Amber Reiss-Holt, but everyone’s plans did not happen as we had anticipated.
We will have a “do-over” in 2025 for both doctors, most likely with each one speaking individually. Both August and September had their difficulties, but some good things happened, too.
We hope to see you on Oct. 17, at 1 p.m. in the new location for End-of-Life Education — the Methodist Church fellowship hall with the adjoining parking lot and nearby side door in the kitchen into fellowship hall. It is very convenient and has air-conditioning.
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