This story takes place at a house just south of Seattle.



































This house is unlike any other in the United States.



































There are no living residents and each visit is facilitated by a death doula.


























In this place, I am surrounded with the shadows cast by death.

























Lashanna is the custodian of A Place To Die.

She is a death doula and trains others in death care.























































































































































































As a death doula, Lashanna helps people confront the inevitable.

With her guidance, clients address everything from the psycho-spiritual (what do you think happens after you die?) to the logistical (what do you think should happen with your belongings after you die?).

Her work is pragmatic, tender and vital.










“The stuff we do is sacred. You have to go into a room and tell someone that they’re dying. You cannot fuck this up.”


Left: preparing ice packs to preserve a dead body
Before it became A Place To Die, this was Sally’s home. Sally had a degenerative brain disease and, unwilling to submit herself to a slow death, chose to die by suicide.

In the weeks leading up to her death, Sally gave the house to Lashanna with the intent that it become a safe, embracing space for people who are choosing to end their lives.

Fragments of Sally are still everywhere at this house.

Right: Sally’s napkins, tea cups and saucers are still available for guests to use