Grief Dialogues

05/11/2026

A new poem written by Donna Weeks has been shared on our Stories page: “When the Tears Fall.” 💙

Poetry can hold the emotions we struggle to name, offering comfort, connection, and reflection in the midst of grief. This heartfelt piece speaks to the quiet weight of loss and the tears we carry, both seen and unseen.

Take a moment to read and reflect with us.

https://griefdialoguesstories.com/2026/05/11/when-the-tears-fall/

05/11/2026

Huge congratulations to Spencer Allen, who stole our hearts as Gus in Let's Write a Musical last fall at the Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles! 👏🎭

We’re so excited to see Spencer take the stage next as Gabe in the new musical Gunfight at the Not-So-OK Saloon presented by Trial Run Productions in New York City! 🤠✨

If you’re in NYC May 15–17, go cheer him on in this hilarious award-winning musical comedy filled with wild west hijinks, heart, and unforgettable music. We’re so proud of you, Spencer! 💛

Learn more about the show here: https://www.iloveny.com/thebeat/post/trial-run-productions-presents-a-double-bill-of-two-hilarious-modern-musicals/

05/09/2026

What would it mean to celebrate a life before it ends?

This moving article explores the growing practice of “living funerals”, gatherings where people facing the end of life are able to share stories, laughter, gratitude, and goodbye with the people they love while they’re still here to experience it.

A beautiful reminder that conversations about death can also be conversations about connection, presence, and love. 💛

Read here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2026/05/08/living-funerals/

05/08/2026

Talking about death won’t take away the pain of loss, but avoiding the conversation can leave people feeling even more afraid and alone.

This article about end-of-life doulas is a powerful reminder of how deeply we need compassionate support, honest conversations, and human presence at the end of life. 💙

Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is simply helping someone feel less alone in their fear.

Read the article here: https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/death-doula-mother-died-scared-end-4361032

End Well

05/08/2026

Mother’s Day can bring up so many emotions including love, gratitude, grief, longing, joy, heartbreak… sometimes all at once. 💛

This thoughtful piece is about the complicated feelings that can surround this day and the importance of holding space for all of it.

If Mother’s Day feels complicated for you, you are not alone.

Read the article here: https://www.mariashriversundaypaper.com/does-mothers-day-feel-complicated-thats-okay/

End Well

05/06/2026

Detroit, thank you for showing up with open hearts.

Hosting In the Wake of Life at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe was an honor. Together, we explored grief through immersive theatre, through plays, poetry, music, art, and reflection, and you embraced it all with such honesty and care.

These conversations aren’t always easy, but you made them possible. You made them meaningful.

We are deeply grateful to have shared this experience with you. 💫

Thank you, Detroit. 💛

We are so grateful for the warmth, openness, and generosity you brought to In The Wake of Life. Over two unforgettable days, we shared stories of grief, love, loss, and connection, and you met each moment with courage, compassion, and presence.

From quiet reflection to unexpected laughter, you helped create a space where honest conversations could unfold and where no one had to feel alone in their experience.

Thank you for welcoming us so fully and for being part of this deeply human exchange. We carry your stories with us.

Grief Dialogues

05/05/2026

Mother’s Day can be especially tender for those grieving the loss of their mother.

This week, we’re revisiting a meaningful 2020 episode of the End-of-Life University Podcast featuring our founder, Elizabeth Coplan, in conversation with Karen Wyatt MD.

In this special Mother’s Day episode, Elizabeth explores the unique grief of motherless daughters and shares how storytelling can help us process loss, create connection, and heal.

As we often say at Grief Dialogues: “Out of grief comes art.”

Though recorded in 2020, this conversation remains deeply relevant today.

🎧 Listen here: https://eolupodcast.com/2020/05/10/ep-246-mothers-day-grief-dialogues-for-motherless-daughters-with-elizabeth-coplan/

To all who find this day difficult, we hold space for you. 💛

05/04/2026

Spotlight on Dwight Stackhouse ✨

Dwight Stackhouse, known as “Skip” to friends and family, is a writer, VO actor, and live storyteller who completed his first novel in 2013. He is a proud recipient of the “2018 Kresge Arts in Detroit Fellowship Award.”

Dwight is part of In the Wake of Life, an immersive experience exploring grief, loss, and connection through art and reflection.

May 4 & 5 • 6:30pm
The War Memorial, Grosse Pointe, MI
Free & open to the public

🔗 Information & Tickets: https://www.griefdialogues.com/in-the-wake-of-life/

We’re honored to spotlight Dwight Stackhouse, a vital part of In the Wake of Life.

Dwight Stackhouse, known as “Skip” to friends and family, is a writer, VO actor, and live storyteller who completed his first novel in 2013. He is a proud recipient of the “2018 Kresge Arts in Detroit Fellowship Award.”

In the Wake of Life is an immersive experience that brings together theatre, poetry, music, and reflection to explore dying, death, and grief with honesty, humanity, and even moments of unexpected humor. Each collaborator helps shape a space where stories can be shared and stigma can be gently challenged.

Join us May 4 & 5 at 6:30pm at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Free and open to the public.

🔗 Information & Tickets: https://www.griefdialogues.com/in-the-wake-of-life/



Grief Dialogues

05/04/2026

Today is World Laughter Day.
A reminder that grief and laughter can coexist.

At Grief Dialogues, we honor every emotion including sorrow, tenderness, and even unexpected moments of humor. Laughter doesn’t take away the pain; sometimes, it helps us carry it.

If a smile finds you today, let it in. 🤍

https://www.laughteryoga.org/world-laughter-day/

05/03/2026

Spotlight on Úna O’Riordan ✨

Úna O’Riordan is a versatile cellist known for expressive performances across classical and contemporary repertoire. When she is not onstage as a member of the DSO, you will find her teaching at Wayne State or performing innovative works with New Music Detroit.

Úna is part of In the Wake of Life, an immersive experience exploring grief, loss, and connection through art and reflection.

May 4 & 5 • 6:30pm
The War Memorial, Grosse Pointe, MI
Free & open to the public

🔗 Information & Tickets: https://www.griefdialogues.com/in-the-wake-of-life/

We’re honored to spotlight Úna O’Riordan, a vital part of In the Wake of Life.

Úna O’Riordan is a versatile cellist known for expressive performances across classical and contemporary repertoire. When she is not onstage as a member of the DSO, you will find her teaching at Wayne State or performing innovative works with New Music Detroit.

In the Wake of Life is an immersive experience that brings together theatre, poetry, music, and reflection to explore dying, death, and grief with honesty, humanity, and even moments of unexpected humor. Each collaborator helps shape a space where stories can be shared and stigma can be gently challenged.

Join us May 4 & 5 at 6:30pm at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Free and open to the public.

🔗 Information & Tickets: https://www.griefdialogues.com/in-the-wake-of-life/



Grief Dialogues

05/03/2026

A quiet look behind the curtain… ✨

Rehearsals for In the Wake of Life are filled with moments of vulnerability, creativity, and deep listening. Through short plays, poetry, music, and interactive elements, this immersive experience invites us to explore grief not in isolation, but in community.

Each scene you’ll encounter has been shaped with intention, honoring the complexity of loss while making space for reflection, connection, and even moments of unexpected lightness.

We can’t wait to share this with you.

May 4 & 5, 2026
The War Memorial, Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Free and open to the public

Reserve your ticket: https://www.griefdialogues.com/in-the-wake-of-life/detroit/