What If We Talked About Death Like We Talk About Birth?
A neighbor doing invisible work that matters, Serenbe’s blueberry season, and the conversations we avoid (but probably shouldn’t).
Ok, today we’re talking about death. Dun dun dunnnn! Stay with me—don’t run away so fast. I promise to keep it light.
Have you ever tried to pitch your family on hosting a “death dinner”—and they look at you like you’ve completely lost it?
No? Just me?
A few years ago, I got really into this idea I heard on a podcast—a death dinner, inspired by the Death Over Dinner project. It’s essentially a gathering where people sit down over a meal and talk about end-of-life wishes. Not in a morbid way, but in a human, connected, let’s-actually-talk-about-this kind of way.
I brought it up at a family gathering a few years ago and… let’s just say no one RSVP’d.
I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to be prepared. And while I haven’t experienced the kind of big, life-altering losses yet, I know they’re coming…
And I’ve never understood why talking about death is still such a taboo in the U.S. So instead of avoiding it, I’ve started leaning in.
If you’re new here, you might not know that nestled behind the farm stands and forest trails of Serenbe, there are people doing deeply important, often invisible work. And this week, I want to introduce you to one of them.
Willow (aka Sophie Richardson).
In today’s issue:
💀 Let’s Talk About Death (No, Really)
🫐 On a lighter note - It’s blueberry season in Serenbe
💔 A Quick Personal Update on Dottie
📍 For the Locals – Events this week + In Case You Missed It
💀 Let’s Talk About Death (No, Really)
Willow is a grief and transition support practitioner here in Serenbe. And while some call her a “death doula,” what she offers goes far beyond that. She’s spent over 25 years walking alongside people through death, aging, illness, and major life transitions. But not only in one-off sessions or emergency interventions—she builds long, deep relationships. Some of her clients have worked with her for over a decade.
And to be clear, when I say ‘transition,’ I don’t just mean death. Sometimes it’s the end of a marriage. A move. A career shift. A version of yourself. The kind of endings we don’t always grieve, but probably should.
It’s not about fixing. It’s about holding. Witnessing. Supporting people through fragile, liminal seasons with presence and grace.
It reminds me of my experience with birth.
When I chose to have a birth center delivery, and with my second a home birth, I remember wondering if I was being “extra” for hiring a doula. But having a doula ended up being the best decision I could’ve made.
Talking with Willow got me thinking grief deserves that too.
It deserves someone who can walk beside you—whether you’re the one preparing to go, or the one staying behind. Someone to help you navigate not just the logistics, but the heartbreak. Not just the decisions, but the feelings.
And yet, most of us never get that kind of support. In the U.S., we prep the paperwork. Buy the life insurance. Maybe write a will. (Greg and I did that last year—if you haven’t yet, seriously, put it on your list.) But rarely do we tend to the emotional scaffolding. The messy, sacred, human stuff.
That’s where Willow comes in.
She’s trained in thanatology—the study of death and dying—and spent years with the Art of Dying Institute in New York. But more than credentials, it’s her presence that stays with you. The kind of neighbor you didn’t know you needed.
She’s not someone you’ll stumble upon online. She doesn’t have a website or social media presence. But she’s fully booked for the summer. And we are lucky to have her in the community.
If you want to get in touch with Willow you can reach her via email here.
And there’s another something death related unfolding here in Serenbe: the Death Café, a monthly-ish gathering at The Birdhouse Coffee Room, facilitated by Alfredo Ovalle and Peter Vantine. I haven’t made it to one yet, but I plan to.
From what I hear it’s a welcoming space to talk about what most people avoid. And in a town like this, that kind of openness feels like a gift.
The next Death Café is July 27, 1pm at The Birdhouse Coffee room.
And I’m still pretty new to all this—but these are a few people and places I’ve stumbled upon or had recommended to me if you feel called to explore more.
The Grief House: A sanctuary for creative grief expression, community, and healing in Atlanta.
Kim Ferrari: Willow’s mentor/ friend and Buddhist teacher who offers free weekly meditation classes in Serenbe at SoulBarn on Wednesdays at 1pm and Sunday’s at 10am.
Christina Trifero: Spiritual strategist and intuitive guide (aka psychic based right here in Serenbe) who helps people connect with their highest self, especially during times of transition.
Book: The Smell of Rain on Dust: Grief and Praise by Martín Prechtel – An exploration of how grief and beauty can coexist.
The other side of death—of any ending, really—is often some kind of rebirth. Not always fast. Not always obvious. But eventually, something new begins. And each of us moves at our own pace.
So if this stirred something in you—curiosity, discomfort, a desire to explore—I invite you to follow that thread.
Whether it’s writing down your wishes, joining a Death Café, or simply asking your people: “Have you ever thought about what a good death might look like?”
We prepare for birth.
We should prepare for death too. Right?
And we don’t have to do it alone.
🫐 On a lighter note - It’s blueberry season in Serenbe
It’s blueberry season in Serenbe.
If you’ve never wandered through Grange this time of year, you might not even realize what’s tucked into the sidewalks and hedges—literally hundred(s?) of blueberry bushes, planted all over the neighborhood.
They’re free to pick. And yes, they’re ripe right now.
Thank you, Steve Nygren, for planting this sweet gift for the community so many years ago.
There’s just something about popping sun-warmed (or rain-splashed) berries into your mouth while barefoot in the street that feels like summer.
PSA: Please only pick from bushes along public walkways—no sneaking into private yards, even if the berries look extra juicy. I promise there are more than enough to go around.
Every year, I forget how much joy these little berries bring—until I’m crouched next to a bush with a handful of fruit and Rory whisper-shouting, “Found one!!”
💔 A Quick Personal Update on Dottie
So many of you have reached out with love and support—and I just want to say thank you. Truly.
Last week, I shared that our daughter, Dottie, will need open-heart surgery in a few months. I wanted to follow up with the latest. Read what I wrote last week here.
She’s doing really well. You’d never know anything is going on—she’s living a completely normal life, running around like her usual joyful self. Her heart is just working a little harder behind the scenes. Her surgery is scheduled for mid-August, and while it sounds heavy (because it is), our care team has reassured us that it’s a lower-risk procedure with excellent outcomes.
Most days, I feel grounded and hopeful. Other days, I feel tender and tired. But we’re walking through it one step at a time.
📍 For the Locals: Events & In Case You Missed It
The Life at Play event calendar is live at lifeatplay.co! You can browse what’s happening around Serenbe + Chatt Hills, add individual events to your calendar, or subscribe to sync the whole thing to Google or Outlook. Have something to share? Email hello@lifeatplay.co.
Parents Night Out (Every Saturday!) – Weekly summer fun for the kids with games + a movie at Team Genesis BJJ. This Saturday, June 14 from 5–8PM they’re screening The Parent Trap! Text 740-603-8040 to reserve a spot.
Wild Indigo Academy Enrolling Now – A new micro-school in Mado is opening this fall for kids ages 4–6 (flexible to 7). With a Mon–Thurs, 9AM–1PM schedule, Wild Indigo blends academic mornings with nature walks, cooking, art, and forest play. Ideal for families seeking a homeschool-style pace with a dedicated teacher. Reach out to Angela Brown to learn more!
Adult LEGO Robot Sumo Tournament – Ever wanted to build and battle a robot? Now’s your chance. On Saturday, June 21 (9AM–12PM), join ChattHills.ai to learn and build your own LEGO Spike Prime bot—no experience needed. Then on Sunday, June 22, come back to customize and compete! The final 4-bot sumo tournament kicks off at 3PM and is open to spectators. Email jeff@jefflisa.com to sign up—only 8 player spots available!
Bianca’s Bread Mobile Returns Catch it Wednesday from 5:30–7PM or at the Saturday farmers market — in front of The General Store. Pre-order by Mon at 9AM to snag your favorites!
Kids Improv Show – Come cheer on the young performers from Art Farm’s Improv Camp this Friday, June 13 at 12:30PM in Gainey Hall. After a week with Dad’s Garage, they’re taking the stage to show off their comedy chops!
Wine Wednesday at Austin’s – $25 bottles of wine every Wednesday—treat yourself to a midweek unwind.
New Knife Sharpening Service – Local chef-turned-butcher Joshua offers next-day sharpening by hand to a mirrored edge. Pocket knives, kitchen blades, shears + more. Text 502-930-6222 for pricing and pickup!
Finn’s Celebration of Life – Join the community in honoring Serenbe’s beloved General Store shop dog this Friday, 6/13 at 5PM on Grange Green with music by Grateful to Be + a food truck. All are welcome.
New Workspace Above Austin’s – Private offices, a meeting room, and a brand new podcast studio are now available to rent by the hour, day, or week. More details.
Oh and by the way - im not giving up on my family. One day, I’ll get them to agree to a death dinner. And I hope you will be here to hear how it goes.
So go pick some blueberries. Hug someone you love. And maybe—just maybe—start a conversation you’ve been avoiding.
See you in the blueberry bushes.
—Gina
P.S.Ever hosted a death dinner? I’d love to hear all about it!
P.P.S. If you know someone going through a season of grief or transition—forward this their way. Sometimes knowing these resources exist can change everything.
Love this!!! You’re writing is so relatable!! And I want a wine Wednesday date soon!!!
such a tender, beautiful piece. you and willow both bring light into places it’s needed most, and brighter where it already shines! ☀️