Take Me Out Feet First, created and directed by filmmaker Serene Meshel-Dillman is a poignant documentary series delving into the deeply personal journeys of 25 terminally ill individuals as they navigate their end-of-life decisions and explore their options. Through intimate interviews and candid moments, viewers witness the diverse range of emotions, challenges, and reflections experienced by each individual as they confront their mortality. From exploring palliative care to considering hospice or medical aid in dying, the series sheds light on the complexities surrounding end-of-life choices and the importance of dignity, autonomy, and compassion in these deeply personal moments. Through these narratives, Take Me Out Feet First invites viewers to contemplate the meaning of life, death, and the human experience itself.

We will be watching Episode 1 of the series, titled “Mom and Dad” This episode features filmmaker Serene’s parents. Her mother, Miriam Reiner Meshel, used California’s End of Life Option Act in 2017 to peacefully end her suffering from a very rare, aggressive cancer. Her father, Robert Meshel, opposed his wife using the option, but years later, changed his mind.

“I’m sharing their story because it shows the courage, determination, and love both my mom and dad embodied in their final days. They taught us that there’s grace in being in charge of your own destiny,” said Serene. “This law, legal in only 10 U.S. states and D.C., deserves national endorsement. ‘Take Me Out Feet First’ is their legacy.” (95 minutes)

Die Well Death Education

We're all going to die, so why don't we talk about it? I'm not saying talk about it so incessantly that people generally avoid you, (although you can if you want - I usually do) but rather talk about what we would like our end-of-life experience, our death, and our disposition to look and be like. With clear and concise communication and preparation, you can - and will - create the strongest possibility that you will experience a "good death." 

About DWDE

Leona Oceania has always been passionate and curious about end-of-life issues. Motivated by this, she trained to become a Home Funeral Guide, End of Life Doula, and Life Legacy Facilitator. She is also a Hospice volunteer, Funeral Consumer Advocate, Death Cafe Facilitator, and Death Educator. Leona's primary focus is to educate and motivate people to simply start the conversation. Once we can talk more openly about death and normalize the conversation, the better we will be able to connect with our own mortality and be proactive about creating a "good death" for ourselves and others. 

***AT PIPER SHORES*** NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

This program is held at Piper Shores in partnership with Scarborough Public Library and OPEN TO ALL. 

Piper Shores “Founders Room” at the Oceanside campus, just inside the Main Entrance. Staff will be there to steer attendees in the right direction. Park anywhere labeled “Employee” or “Visitor." Piper Shores is located at 15 Piper Rd, Scarborough, Maine 04074