Death Issue

My Life Surrounded by Death: When Your Caretaker is an Undertaker

My grandma has been a mortician my entire life. When I was nine, my mom decided to run the funeral home with her.

One of the most valuable pieces of information I’ve ever been given is that you shouldn’t put Vicks VapoRub under your nose to shield the … Continue reading →

Death Coach

A new avenue of care for those at the end of their life and their loved ones

Culture 4 months ago

Since the turn of the 21st century, the role of the death doula has been on the rise. Death doulas are non-medical workers who provide … Continue reading →

Death Knell for Clutter

A writer discovers the late-life joys of döstädning

Culture 4 months ago

Let’s get this straight right now: I’m not planning to die anytime soon. But consider: One day you’re young and in recklessly good health; the … Continue reading →

A Cat in the Crypt

A recently opened subculture and goth secondhand store in Springfield fills a cultural niche for an expanding alternative population

News 4 months ago

The Crypt opened in April 2023 to fill a niche in Springfield. Dakota Jennen, 26, and Kieran Hawke, 28, started the shop out of “a … Continue reading →