Janine is a second-generation Canadian of Italian heritage whose family stayed true to their cultural fervor for funerals. She recalls how worried she was that she would be turning six without having seen a dead body. The normalization of death within her community fostered an early and enduring respectful curiosity. As an adult, Janine reflects with gratitude on her father's willingness to openly share and discuss his grief when loved ones died over the years. The deep learning from those sorrowful, yet healing, times inspired her to put her event planning skills to meaningful use helping friends and family prepare alternative and complementary funerals. It was also the inspiration for her to complete her Certificate in Thanatology along with Jamie Whittaker while they were teaching together in post-secondary. These colleagues became true friends through their shared awakening to impermanence. The resulting growth inspired them to develop workshops and webinars to bring death to life in others.