Learning From Others

Stories tell and they teach, and the stories recounted here do both. We are deeply grateful to those who have shared the intimate details of their stories in the following stories and photographs. If you have a home funeral story to share, please contact us.
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Heather's Story
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After Heather's near-death as a baby, her mother made preparing for her death a healthy part of their life. Read more...

Mikaela’s Story 1: Hospital Vigil

Faced with Mikaela's unexpected death, her family created a beautiful vigil for her in the hospital. 
Read more...

Mikaela's Story 2:
Green Burial

Choosing green burial honored Mikaela's environmental values and the families' Muslim heritage. Read more...

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Mikaela’s Story
​3: Transit Permit

Despite their right to transport Mikaela's body, her family encountered costly and stressful obstacles.
Read more...

Alicia's Story
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Alicia and Derek kept Baby Burton home after his death for "the most meaningful time" in their lives.
Read more...

Rich's Story
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After his hospital death, Sharon brought Rich home for a three-day vigil with their community.
​Read more...

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Briar's Story

Briar, whose friends memorialized her with a joyous water ballet, donated her body to help legalize natural organic reduction. Read more...

Jake's Story

Jake's engagement with the details of his death was a powerful gift he gave those who performed his home funeral and burial. Read more...

Karen's Story

Karen served as funeral director for her father, who was buried at White Eagle in a casket built by a friend. Read more...

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Lashanna's Story

Lashanna's story illustrates the dimensions of community death care, from education and advocacy to guidance and financial support. Read more...