Many of you have asked for a different format, you want to progress, to explore and to share more. So, we've come up with a series featuring new topics and experts! For new-comers and past attendees, this event is bound to create new insights and fascinating stories.

Our next phase of Death Cafe experiences offers guest speakers and facilitated themes that all lead to deeper awareness of the finite time we have. This event is led by blogger, author and Death Cafe facilitator, Victoria Noe.

Friend Grief
led by blogger/author Victoria Noe 
Wednesday, October 23, 6:30p-9:00p
Drake&Sons, 5303 N. Western Ave, Chicago, IL
$10 per person in advance, $20 on October 22.
Limited to 50 attendees. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

"It's not like they're family." 
Sound familiar? If you're grieving the death of a friend, you've probably heard that from people who just don't get it. and if it made you angry, well, you're not alone. 

Share your experiences grieving the death of a friend.
Victoria Noe has created a compelling series of blogs and books titled FriendGrief. These avenues are places to share experiences grieving the death of a friend. Many people not only suffer a great loss, but also suffer because those around them don't understand or respect their grief. In the first of her series on grieving the death of a friend, Victoria's Friend Grief and Anger: When Your Friend Dies and No One Gives A Damn shares stories of people who have struggled with anger after their friend died. Check out her blog at friendgrief.com.

Victoria will lead a discussion about people's experiences 

          • Grieving the death of a friend
          • Finding their grief was not respected
          • Changing they their own lives in remarkable ways as a tribute to that friend 

We'll help you answer the question: "Okay, I'm angry: now what?"

In a culture that doesn’t honor grief, 
here’s a chance to discuss the impact after a death.

At Death Cafes across the world, people come together in a relaxed and safe setting to discuss death, drink tea and eat delicious cake. We think that this is a great way to spend some time and we're keen to support people to do it more. Learn more at the international website.

Influenced by the ideas of Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz, the objective of Death Cafe is "To increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives". Hundreds of individuals across the world have taken part to date.

“Loved this! Sometimes I think it's easier to talk about this topic with complete strangers, which I think can help open the door to talk about it with family and friends."

Death Cafe offers you the opportunity to explore topics like

• What do you consider a “good” death?
• What’s on your “before I die” list?
• How do you open a discussion about final wishes with your family?
• Whose death affected you the most and why?
• How do you convince others to respect your grief?
• Does faith help or complicate your attitude towards death?
• What would you like your legacy to be?
• Can you plan a fun funeral?

“I loved hearing everyone's views and ideas about death - I heard a lot of things I never considered before. Really gets you thinking, which I think is really the point. Thank you!”

Find out more on Death Cafes by visiting the official website - deathcafe.com.