| The EOLWA Insider February 2025 The Miracle of Morning by Amanda Gorman |
| We thought we’d awaken to a world in mourning. Heavy clouds crowding, a society storming. But there’s something different on this golden morning. Something magical in the sunlight, wide & warming. We see a dad with a stroller taking a jog. Across the street, a bright-eyed girl chases her dog. A grandma on a porch fingers her rosaries. She grins as her young neighbor brings her groceries. While we might feel small, separate & all alone, Our people have never been more closely tethered. The question isn’t if we can weather this unknown, But how we will weather this unknown together. So, on this meaningful morn, we mourn & we mend. Like light, we can’t be broken, even when we bend. As one, we will defeat both despair & disease. We stand with healthcare heroes & all employees With families, libraries, waiters, schools, artists Businesses, restaurants & hospitals hit hardest. | We ignite not in the light, but in lack thereof, For it is in loss that we truly learn to love. In this chaos, we will discover clarity. In suffering, we must find solidarity. For it’s our grief that gives us our gratitude, Shows us how to find hope, if we ever lose it. So ensure that this ache wasn’t endured in vain: Do not ignore the pain. Give it purpose. Use it. Read children’s books, dance alone to DJ music. Know that this distance will make our hearts grow fonder. From these waves of woes our world will emerge stronger. We’ll observe how the burdens braved by humankind Are also the moments that make us humans kind Let each morning find us courageous, brought closer Heeding the light before the fight is over. When this ends, we’ll smile sweetly, finally seeing In testing times, we became the best of beings._____________________________________ If you would like to submit a poem/art/news to the newsletter please reach out at kbasis@endoflifewa.org |
| Everyone welcome! Come lift your spirits and join the EOLWA Community in a night of celebration. We will provide food (including vegan and GF options) and drinks (NA + fully spirited) all night. We’re excited to hear from you so please RSVP. Please feel free to bring a few additional souls who want to learn more about EOLWA. Space is limited; RSVP to secure your spot. This is a 21+ event. Click here to RSVP. We would love for you to join us! |
| Join us for a 60-minute session that will show you how to plan ahead for end-of-life. We will review how to fill out and document a set of Advance Directives, how to choose a Health Care Agent if you can’t speak for yourself, and what choices are legal and accessible to die on your terms in Washington State. After attending this session, we hope you’ll feel more comfortable talking to the people you trust with your care about your end-of-life wishes. To register for the March 19th presentation, please click here. |
 |
| End of Life Washington’s board is seeking new members! Anyone with a passion for end of life issues is welcome to apply. We are specifically seeking individuals with experience in Finance, Marketing/Media, Nonprofit leadership, social work, attorneys, living and working in Eastern or Central Washington, and/or who identify as politically conservative. If you would like to learn more and consider applying, or if you know someone you would like to nominate, please email boardapps@endoflifewa.org by March 14th |
| Saturday, March 1, 2025 – 10:00am to 12:00pm Mercer Island Community & Event Center |
| The Youth & Family Services Department and The Parks & Recreation Division invite our senior community to the 2nd Annual Senior Resource Fair at the Mercer Island Community & Event Center! For more information about this event, please click here. |
| The Vashon Senior Center and End-of-Life Conversations |
| Vashon hosts a series of classes/work sessions focused on End-of-Life issues on the 4th Friday of each month at 1pm. Classes are open to anyone and take place at the Senior Center. The sessions provide information and help to complete your Advanced Care Directives, information on Hospice services, Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD), legacy planning, and burial options. The calendar is as follows: March 28th: Death with Dignity – Law, MAiD procedures, and Voluntary Stop Eating and Drinking (VSED) April 25th: Palliative Care, Hospice, Grieving, identifying your Care Team May23rd : Burial Options – Including Green Burial and Composting June 27th: Exploring your Legacy. Letters to Family and Friends, Obituary, Living your life every day! On going programs include: Grief Ritual – 1st Sunday of month @ 1pm at the Tree of Life. Death Café – 1st & 3rd Wednesday of month @ 6:30 to 7:30 @ TBA To find more information about The Vashon Senior Center or these events, click here. |
Washington