April Death Cafe & Much More!
Ypsilanti Death Cafe Updates
For over three years, we’ve been holding space for death, grief, and life’s transitions. What began as a small gathering has blossomed into a vibrant community at Bloodroot Herb Shop & Apothecary, welcoming more beautiful souls each month.
Due to growing interest, we’re expanding! Starting in April, we’ll be meeting twice a month with a brand-new additional gathering on the first Wednesday of each month from 5-7 PM.
I am so proud of the space we’ve built together here in Ypsilanti. Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to continue these meaningful conversations with you all.
National Healthcare Decision Day
Every year on April 16th, we recognize National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) - a time to reflect on our values, discuss our healthcare preferences, and ensure our wishes are clearly documented.
I’ve seen it happen too often - someone passes, and their loved ones are left overwhelmed, scrambling to make decisions while drowning in grief. When there’s no plan in place, families tend to default to the quickest, easiest solution, simply because they don’t know what else to do.
One of the main reasons I do this work is to help ease the burden of loss. Grief is already heavy, and it becomes even more complicated when families are consumed with funeral arrangements, legal affairs, and coordinating out-of-town relatives. Too often, the actual grieving process doesn’t even begin until weeks later, after all the logistics have been handled.
Planning ahead may feel intimidating, even scary - but it is truly one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones. When your wishes are known, they can focus on honoring your life, rather than making stressful last-minute decisions.
If you’re ready to start this process but don’t know where to begin, here are some trusted resources I personally recommend:
Books:
I'm Dead, Now What? – A practical guide to organizing your affairs.
The Art of Dying Well by Katy Butler – A thoughtful look at navigating the end of life with grace.
A Beginner’s Guide to the End by BJ Miller & Shoshana Berger – A compassionate, practical resource for planning ahead.
!!! When ordering your books, please consider using a local bookstore. Some great options - Black Stone Bookstore, Book Love Bar, Booksweet, Literati to name a few. Most bookstores are more than happy to order something for you if they don’t have what you’re looking for in stock!
Organizations:
Five Wishes – A simple, easy-to-use advance directive that covers personal, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Compassion & Choices – A leading nonprofit advocating for end-of-life care options.
If you need extra support or guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to walk through this with you. You don’t have to do it alone. 💛
Events This Month
Ypsilanti Death Cafe
Date & Time : Wednesday, April 2nd from 5-7pm
Location : Bloodroot Herb Shop & Apothecary
208 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
All Things ACP : DNR, CPR, AD, Living Will with Merilynne Rush
Date & Time : Wednesday, April 2nd from 12-1pm
Location : Zoom - Email for link!
Ferndale Death Cafe
Date & Time : Wednesday, April 2nd from 4-5pm
Location : Drifter Coffee
770 Woodward Heights, Ferndale
Queer Death Cafe
Date & Time : Saturday, April 5th from 11am-12:30pm
Location : Jim Toy Community Center
560 S. Main St., Ann Arbor
Monroe Death Cafe
Date & Time : Wednesday, April 9th from 6-8pm
Location : Green Witch Gardens
8930 S. Custer Rd., Monroe
Ann Arbor Death Cafe
Date & Time : Saturday, April 19th from 11am-1pm
Location : Crazy Wisdom Bookstore
114 S. Main St., Ann Arbor
Ypsilanti Death Cafe
Date & Time : Saturday, April 19th from 11:30am-1:30pm
Location : Bloodroot Herb Shop & Apothecary
208 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
Last Chapter Collective (Book: Spook - Science Tackles The Afterlife)
Date & Time : Saturday, April 26th from 2-3:30pm
Location : Vertex Coffee Roasters
307 N. River St., Ypsilanti
Great Lakes Bay Death Cafe
Date & Time : Sunday, April 27th at 3pm
Location : LoLoBee’s Lounge
106 S. Linn St. Unit A, Bay City
A Gentle Reminder
Our gatherings are a space of inclusion, respect, and community - welcoming people of all ethnicities, genders, and religions. We ask that everyone approach these conversations with kindness and care.
As part of fostering a supportive environment, we invite participants to share their names and pronouns. This isn’t just a formality - it’s a meaningful practice that honors each person’s identity.
Please be thoughtful with your words and actions. We are here to hold space for one another with love, respect, and compassion.
Warmly,
Hanna Hasselschwert
Contact for Support
Email: Hanna@AcaciaEndOfLife.com
Phone: 734-544-5177