Comfort food rituals around death have existed for millennia, from Neanderthals to modern times. Global funeral dishes, like Belgian soul bread, Chinese jai, and Jamaican johnny cakes, offer comfort and community.

Kathleen, a hospice-care volunteer for ten years, faces her own death with acceptance. She emphasizes living fully, without mystery around dying, enjoying moments like a dinner party with good company.

Katy Butler, author of The Art of Dying Well, found her path to end-of-life advocacy after her father's stroke, highlighting the failures of the medical system. Her exit plan is to be surrounded by stars, and she wishes for joy and acceptance in life and death.