On Wednesday, March 20, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Ruby Sisson Library, will be the first meeting of brave, mature, practical, realistic, curious, responsible people who want to investigate and explore issues related to the practical, physical side of death.
Admittedly, this is not a fun topic. But, since this is something that happens to everyone whether we want to acknowledge it or not, it is a necessary topic to face. It should be helpful to consider the information available before we or someone close to us comes face-to-face with death.
Our first meeting will focus on increasing our level of comfort in investigating the topic and to find out what questions and issues are of interest to the group. We will also discuss what resources we can tap into to find answers to be presented at future meetings.
There may have been thoughts about death that have passed through your mind, but the solution was not simple, so you allowed them to exit. That is why you should come — because there is strength in numbers and purpose. We will band together to select important issues and work together to find their solutions.
One issue of interest is the fact that there is no place in Archuleta County for green burials. We will need to find out what that term means. With all the wonderful land in Pagosa, we should be able to find a place to offer this to our community.
Our neighbor on the other side of Wolf Creek, Crestone, offers a private cremation site where a family can personally cremate their loved one’s body with support from the community. Also in Crestone is a green burial site. How was that accomplished and could our community create something similar?
We could discuss meeting with a mortuary staff person before they are absolutely needed. Why wait until you or a loved one are at your weakest moment? Why not gather your questions and ask them at a time of strength and clarity? It would be valuable to know what kinds of choices need to be made.
In 2016, a Colorado End-Of-Life Options Act was passed, but local people implemented a way to keep medical practitioners from being able to practice this law in Pagosa. How does this work? What information is available? Should this be a viable option in Pagosa?
These are just a few ideas that might lead to discussion and future research. In addition, there are many helpful films available, especially on how some European countries are handling these issues.
I have no idea how this meeting is going to turn out, but I for one have lived a fairly responsible life and would like to go out as I have lived —in the best way possible. If you agree and want to work with me to research this, I hope to see you there.
