02 Aug “Go and see everything you can son, go and do, everything.”
When my grandpa died we found a half empty bottle of whisky in the microwave. Hidden there as my grannie was afraid of the thing, and never opened it. I think he knew he was on the way out, as the last time I saw him we had a great chat over a dram, and he told me to “Go and see everything you can son, go and do, everything.” I left for America, and never saw him again.
We all have little stories to tell about death, although we tend not to share them very often, if at all. But it never used to be like that. Years ago we knew how to handle death. Whether it was driven by culture or religion, when a loved one died the rituals swung into action, and helped us through the process. Many of them have fallen away though. So when I came across the Groundswell Project I knew what they were doing was pretty special, and fortunately I got to help them a little bit.
The Groundswell Project
Established in Sydney 11 years ago now, they’ve been trying to normalise the conversation around death ever since. They’re involved in lots of initiatives to break down the barriers of talking about all of this, in the workplace and the larger community, and one of their keystone events is just around the corner.
Shockingly, although 70% of Australians would like to die at home surrounded by their family, very few ever manage it, as it takes good bit of planning to do so.
Dying to Know Day
Taking place on 8th August every year, it’s a day we’re encouraged to gather and talk about death, get it out in the open. With the ultimate goal of improving how Australians die, care and grieve. You can find out if there’s an event near you here. Or if you’re feeling up to it, you can always organise your own – and the lovely Cherelle Martin can help 😉 It doesn’t have to be on the 8th, just anytime in August really. You can do it on Zoom, or in the real world if you’re allowed.
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I didn’t know it was going to be the last time I saw my grandpa that day, but I’m kind of glad it was. I could remember him like that, as opposed to sick in a hospital bed. And without knowing it, we said all we needed to. You don’t always get to be that lucky though. I’m sure we all have our stories about conversations that never happened, and what was left unsaid…
Anyway, that’s enough for a Tuesday morning.
All the best, and visit The Groundswell Project here.
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