Befriending Death Gatherings are free community sessions on topics related to the experience of dying to prepare to live with more peace and fulfillment. Participants gain information, perspective, and a greater sense of connection. Facilitated by Amber Sastry, Global Hospice Volunteer and Community Death Educator

A Storied Life and Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo are teaming up to offer this book club for the volunteers who serve HPCB with commitment, compassion, and care. We will meet for three sessions to discuss the book Being Mortal by Atul Gawande and reflect on our own experiences supporting the end-of-life journey. Here is the PBS Frontline documentary based on the book described here:

How do you talk about death with a dying loved one? Dr. Atul Gawande explores death, dying and why even doctors struggle to discuss being mortal with patients, in this Emmy-nominated documentary. “Aging and dying — you can’t fix those," says Dr. Gawande. This film examines the relationships between doctors and patients nearing the end of life, and how the medical profession can better help people navigate mortality. The ultimate goal, after all, is not a good death but a good life — to the very end.

A free community lecture on the simple, profound act of being there---Many of us feel it — a quiet, persistent sense of disconnection. From neighbors we no longer know. From family members we struggle to reach. From friends whose lives have drifted from our own. We live in an age of more communication than ever, and yet genuine connection — the kind where we feel truly seen and heard — has never felt harder to find. We are divided in our communities, distracted by our screens, and often lonely even among the people we love most. What if the path back to one another were simpler than we think — and already within our reach?

Are Mother’s Day and Father’s Day tricky for you? Do you have trouble finding a card that reflects your parent? All that lovey dovey, “rah rah you’re the best” just not quite right? We get it. We hear you. It hurts.

At the same time, they’re the ones you’ve got. Right? Or perhaps you don’t. Even if your parent is gone, or your relationship is, this is still for you.

How would it feel to take another look and reflect on what they DID do? How they tried despite their own difficult circumstances? What they gave you that has shaped you in important ways?

No one can give back what you lost or change how you have been hurt. Your pain deserves to being acknowledged. But what if we also looked back with an eye for the good moments? To focus in on the “best of”? What might happen?

Forgiveness is not about “letting someone off the hook” or “sweeping it under the rug.”  It’s about seeing the past as it was while releasing its power over you. It benefits the person who is forgiving, first and foremost. What have we got to lose?

Join us for this special event where we will look back to see and name the best of what our mothers and fathers did – the specific moments that might otherwise be overshadowed by our pain. We will honor our hurt and look for the light in our parents that shines in us.

Because… Life is short. Parenting is hard. And none of us lives up to be the parent we wish we were. During this season of flowers and brunches and golf balls and neck ties, let’s do something different. Let’s lift up the best of what they gave us.

Our facilitators will be on hand to guide and to listen. We will have free refreshments for all and great books for purchase. Questions? Contact Amber from A Storied Life at 716-275-9070

Befriending Death Gatherings are free community sessions on topics related to the experience of dying to prepare to live with more peace and fulfillment. Participants gain information, perspective, and a greater sense of connection. Facilitated by Amber Sastry, Global Hospice Volunteer and Community Death Educator

A committed small group experience where 6-8 participants meet for six sessions to share sacred stories about birth, death, and life's pivotal moments. Through deep listening and authentic storytelling, we discover meaning and feel truly seen while building genuine community.

Befriending Death Gatherings are free community sessions on topics related to the experience of dying to prepare to live with more peace and fulfillment. Participants gain information, perspective, and a greater sense of connection. Facilitated by Amber Sastry, Global Hospice Volunteer and Community Death Educator

A committed small group experience where participants meet for six sessions to share stories that they are carrying from their lives. Through attentive listening and authentic storytelling, we discover meaning and feel truly seen while building genuine community.

Story Circle and Befriending Death Workshop for Caregivers (staff and volunteers) of Gateway Home Attica - offering their turn to be witnessed and held. Supported by The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo.

Story Circle and Befriending Death Workshop for Caregivers (staff and volunteers) of Gateway Home Attica - offering their turn to be witnessed and held. Supported by The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo.

Join us to celebrate the community that we have built through our community death education workshops and story circles throughout 2024 and 2025! Altogether, A Storied Life has hosted over a dozen unique workshops on mortality, death and dying, and living life to the fullest. All are welcome! If you are curious, come to this event and see what it’s all about!

Exploring Mortality in Community sessions with A Storied Life are free and open to the public (donations gratefully accepted). Date with Death Club curriculum is offered. Facilitated by Amber Sastry, Community End-of-Life Educator and Global Health Leader.

A committed small group experience where 6-8 participants meet for six sessions to share sacred stories about birth, death, and life's pivotal moments. Through deep listening and authentic storytelling, we discover meaning and feel truly seen while building genuine community.

Exploring Mortality in Community sessions with A Storied Life are free and open to the public (donations gratefully accepted). Date with Death Club curriculum is offered. Facilitated by Amber Sastry, Community End-of-Life Educator and Global Health Leader.

Join Amber Sastry of A Storied Life for Advance Care Planning 101. After Tax Day, it’s time to think about your wishes for living the end of your life. Because… “[I]n this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

Exploring Mortality in Community sessions with A Storied Life are free and open to the public (donations gratefully accepted).

Join Amber Sastry of A Storied Life for Advance Care Planning 101. After Tax Day, it’s time to think about your wishes for living the end of your life. Because… “[I]n this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

Exploring Mortality in Community sessions with A Storied Life are free and open to the public (donations gratefully accepted). Date with Death Club curriculum is offered. Facilitated by Amber Sastry, Community End-of-Life Educator and Global Health Leader.

Join Amber Sastry of A Storied Life for Advance Care Planning 101. After Tax Day, it’s time to think about your wishes for living the end of your life. Because… “[I]n this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

Exploring Mortality in Community sessions with A Storied Life are free and open to the public (donations gratefully accepted). Date with Death Club curriculum is offered. Facilitated by Amber Sastry, End-of-life Educator and Global Health Leader.

Join Amber Sastry of A Storied Life for Advance Care Planning 101. After Tax Day, it’s time to think about your wishes for living the end of your life. Because… “[I]n this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” ~ Benjamin Franklin