North Haven Hospice event changes perspectives on death

We are deeply grateful to North Haven Hospice for co-hosting our recent event with Marie de Hennezel. On the topic, ‘How the dying teach us to live’, Marie led an honest and open conversation about living well and dying well.

It was a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with many people from the local Hospice and allied health community, including staff, volunteers, nurses, doctors and other professionals working in the palliative care space across Northland. 

The event attracted more than 80 people, coming together in a sacred and safe space and the energy in the room was absolutely amazing.

Helen Blaxland, CEO | Tumuaki of North Haven Hospice welcomed everyone to the venue, commenting after the event that “it was great that the public of Whangārei had the opportunity to come to North Haven Hospice and to hear from such an internationally acclaimed speaker on the topic of normalising conversations about death and dying”.

“It’s something we will all do in our lifetime and normalising the subject amongst friends and family always makes it easier when we find ourselves in that situation or are supporting others. Marie shared several intriguing experiences people had shared with her. I’m keen get our community sharing their stories too.”

Some comments from members of the audience…

“I am just so grateful I could follow your talk at Hospice today. Feeling a ton lighter after the talk as I could let go of massive fears I harboured for decades about certain aspects of dying. Thank you Katy as well for providing a place we can go to for information and help if needed. That gives a feeling of peace.” – Gabriela

“Every story I hear from people who work with the dying adds a brush stroke to the picture in my head I have about the experience. Everything I heard at the talk made me more secure about facing death, from the fact that there were resources online with Go with Grace which I would have loved five years ago when my mother died to Marie’s stories about the universal experience of grief bonding a hospice team. It all builds the concept that we are held in love and connection when we go, other people care and will help.” – Kristin

“Timely and much needed, Go with Grace is a beautiful resource that offers a variety of products and services in dealing with death, dying, loss and grief- topics that touch us all repeatedly and often with life changing results. This event was beautifully curated and generously hosted. “ – Jenny

“Attending this event has empowered me to know there are many other like minded people, and but ever so many more that have little or no understanding of the naturalness of dying, the pathways that will enhance this experience in a loving, caring and graceful way. For anyone who has lost a loved one, or is experiencing a life altering event, Go With Grace offers ways to assist in preparation, acceptance, and grace to embrace all that life has to offer so that when the end draws nigh or suddenly arrives, it is not a surprise but a natural part of life that you can be somewhat ready for. May you indeed learn to Go With Grace.” – Margaret