This may sound crazy, but hear me out. I think this could be a remarkable experience. 
I was recently introduced to the work of a group of healthcare and wellness leaders who are committed to breaking the taboo regarding conversations about end of life. 

Their project "Let's Have Dinner and Talk About Death" aims to inspire an ever-growing community of people to talk about an often-not-discussed topic—death and dying. As the opening statement on their website notes "How we want to die represents the most important and costly conversation America isn’t having." 

I would be honored if you would take the time to join me and a few guests for dinner and engage in this conversation.

This is not meant to be a morbid conversation, but instead a very human one where we consider what we want, both in life and during its closure. Through sharing our thoughts and feelings on this subject, we can more readily move through our fears, shed inhibitions, and forge deeper understanding and connection with our loved ones.

This is also not meant to be a political conversation. There are no right or wrong points of view. Each person's life and death experience is theirs to own. We won't be declaring decisions or positions on life support, right-to-die, or "death panels". There is no politicking and no judgement. 

There is however, homework. And it's important, if you plan on attending. This is not a dinner party where we'll chat about "did you see Charlie Hales isn't running for mayor again?" or "holy buckets that new development on East Burnside". This will be a structured and intentional conversation, that should also be very meaningful, perhaps even fun - but you have to do the homework. (see below)

DINNER DETAILS 

DATE: Saturday, December 12, 2015

TIME: 6 p.m. 

LOCATION: 2238 SE Ash Street, Portland, OR

BRING: Wine, or a natural non-alcoholic drink, and your thoughts on the homework below

RSVP: By December 6, through the form at the bottom of this page

Homework

First, think about a death that was meaningful to you and be prepared to share something about that death with the group. 

Then, so that we can have starting places for our shared conversations, I have selected a few "homework" assignments for all of us to read, watch, and listen to before we gather at the table. They are very short but quire engaging, informative, and inspiring.

READ:  ONE MAN'S PASSING: THE PHOTO PROJECT OF A GOOD DEATH

"We could use news of a good death. Not a tragic death or a famous death, just a good one, the kind that might happen to any of us if we're lucky." Joshua Bright chronicles such a death through photography.

Watch:  Before I die I want to...

In her New Orleans neighborhood, artist Candy Chang turned an abandoned house into a giant chalkboard asking a fill-in-the-blank question: 'Before I die I want to ___.' Her neighbors' answers -- surprising, poignant, funny -- became an unexpected mirror for the community.

Listen:  Culture of Dying

Stephen Jenkinson explains how our culture taught us to deny death and sadness. He thought-provokingly tells how to turn this around. Please listen from 8:30 - 25:00.

Listen:  What Doesn't Kill You

Tig was diagnosed with cancer. A week later she went on stage in Los Angeles and did a now-legendary set about her string of misfortunes. Please listen from 3:04 - 15:35.

RSVP

I have intentionally invited friends who may not know each other well, but I hope will bring unique viewpoints and share in thoughtful reflection with the group.

We will serve a plant-based, gluten-free, nut-free meal with dessert and anticipate that the experience will last around three hours. 

So that we can plan accordingly, and fill our table if some cannot attend, please RSVP by December 6. 

I hope you'll join us for this special gathering and help start a larger conversation about how we live and die.