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When faced with a terminal illness, the conventional approach is often to mourn and reflect on the life that will soon come to an end. However, some individuals are choosing to embrace a different approach and celebrate life instead. Living funerals, as they are called, offer a chance for individuals to say goodbye while they are still alive and create a joyful and meaningful experience for themselves and their loved ones.

One such example is the story of Heidi Satterthwaite, who was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare form of cancer, in 2018. Before her passing, Heidi expressed her desire to have a grand celebration with her family and friends. Her sister, Jenna Satterthwaite, took it upon herself to fulfill Heidi's wish and organize a party. To their surprise, over 200 people attended the event, displaying their love and support for Heidi. The celebration resembled a wedding, complete with dancing, heartfelt speeches, and catered food. Heidi and her husband even danced to the same song they had danced to at their own wedding. Jenna described the event as a "magical and pain-filled celebration of her life," an exclamation point at the end of a sentence.

"Living funerals" are not a new concept and have roots in indigenous and ancient Japanese cultures. These traditions were used to provide closure, make amends, and show respect to the dying. The idea was also popularized in Mitch Albom’s book "Tuesdays with Morrie," in which Morrie arranges a gathering of friends and family to honor their beloved Irv. For many people who are less religious, the idea of creating customized rituals and ceremonies to say goodbye is becoming increasingly appealing. These personalized goodbye rituals can range from less formal and more festive funerals to living funerals that allow the terminally ill person and their loved ones to experience moments of joy and autonomy in an otherwise somber situation.

In Jenna's case, organizing a living funeral for Heidi was a moment to acknowledge and celebrate her sister's beautiful life. It was an opportunity for everyone to pause and reflect on the meaningful moments, accomplishments, and the positive impact Heidi had on those around her. Jenna emphasized that society often fails to celebrate life and is always focused on the next thing, constantly shifting goalposts. Coming together as a group to honor Heidi's life and say a joyful goodbye allowed them to close the chapter of her life with an exclamation point.

Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy, but choosing to make it an event and celebrating their life can be therapeutic for both the dying person and their loved ones. Living funerals offer a chance to make peace, express gratitude, and create lasting memories. They provide an opportunity for the terminally ill individual to be surrounded by the people they love and to experience joy, love, and support in their final moments. By embracing the concept of living funerals, individuals can bring positivity and a sense of celebration to an otherwise difficult and emotional time.