A Path Home – Details, episodes & analysis

Moreka Jolar shares the story of attending to her mother at the end of her life. Her mum, Maru, lived an unconventional life so it was no surprise that she chose to die in a rather unconventional way as well. Her spirit of generosity shone throughout her life and included helping her 8 year old granddaughter come to terms with her death.

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Today, Sarah talks with India West, a farmer, willow casket weaver and natural burial advocate in Indiana. India made the funeral arrangements for their mother after her sudden death, followed by caring for their father at the end of his life and honoring his wishes to be buried in the conservation burial ground he was instrumental in developing in the state of Indiana. See the links below to view (and order!) India's handcrafted willow caskets and the Warren Prairie Sanctuary.

https://www.riverstyxwillow.com/

https://www.instagram.com/riverstyxwillowfarm/

https://www.warrenprairiesanctuary.org/

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Today, Sarah has a conversation with Leslie Stager about the after-death care she and a small circle of friends provided to her mom at her home in Maine. Leslie's mom died unexpectedly which made keeping her home a little challenging.

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Today, Sarah speaks with Krista Marshall in upstate NY who shares  the story of the after-death care provided to an elder in the community she lived in for a time in Vermont. Grandfather Hank was beloved in the area for his presence and helpful spirit from his work with teens to his active pursuit of making life better for the people in his ever-widening circles.
https://www.nancyjewelpoer.com/product-page/living-into-dying
https://malidoma.com/main/

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For today's bonus Winter Solstice episode, Sarah has a conversation about grief with Colorado-based Deathwives, Lauren Carroll and Erin Merelli. 
To listen to Erin's Tedx Talk click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryIS6RdU5KI  And to peruse all the amazing courses and content the Deathwives have to offer check out their website here: https://deathwives.org/

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On today's episode Sarah has a conversation with three members of the Ottawa Death Care Collective in Ottawa, Canada. Kelly Butler, Heather Martel and Deb Charbonneau share with us the personal paths that led each of them to engage in the important work of community death care. You'll find their website here:
https://communitydeathcareottawa.com/
And read about the wind phone here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_phone

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Glenda Villegas is the funeral director at Thresholds, Home and Family-Directed Funerals, LLC.  based in San Diego, California. Glenda represents a growing group of progressive funeral professionals who recognize the value of supporting families who choose to do most of the after-death care themselves.
https://thresholdsfamilydirectedfunerals.com/

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Sarah has a conversation with Anne Archbold and Paul Sommers about the plan Paul's mom, Sally made to donate her body to the medical school at the University of Minnesota after she died. Sally also requested a natural burial. Everything aligned in order for Sally to accomplish both.

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On this first episode of Season 5, Sarah sits down with three brothers, Zach, Kevin and Sky Weaver, who share the story of preparing their dad, Phil for a natural burial.
To check out the music of The Gravy Ladles here is the link to their YouTube page. 
https://www.youtube.com/@thegravyladlesmusic
You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram

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On today's episode Sarah has a conversation with David Schinsing about his wife Sue's experience with ovarian cancer and the home funeral they planned together. Sue was a nurse, a birth doula and home-schooled their children.  

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