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Death isn’t a medical event—it’s a human one. As a death doula, I have the privilege of walking alongside individuals and their families in one of the most intimate chapters of life: the end. My role isn’t to cure or diagnose but to hold space, provide comfort, and guide people through what can often feel like uncharted and overwhelming territory. Photo from Wix. In British Columbia, end-of-life care is evolving. More families are seeking support that is as emotional and spir

Death is one of the few experiences every human being will share, yet it remains one of the most difficult subjects for us to talk about openly. When the end of life approaches, families often find themselves navigating grief, practical decisions, and overwhelming administrative tasks all at once. In those moments, compassionate presence can make an enormous difference. Photo from Wix. Five years ago, I experienced a health crisis that brought me close to death. While I reco

My first memory of wanting to help people die with support was when I was 7 years old, and my grandfather fell ill and was in the hospital for 6 months. I would go to the hospital with my father and spend every day with him and hold his hand. I felt strongly at that age that, although he was in a coma, he could feel me being there, and I was supporting him. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to be there when people were sick/dying to hold their hand, to support them,

Dear Friends, You must add Death is but a Dream – Finding Hope and Meaning in Life’s End by Christopher Kerr, MD, PhD to your must-read list. I initially heard Dr. Kerr on CBC Radio. He is originally from Canada and is now practicing as a hospice doctor in the USA. He completed a residency in internal medicine, began a fellowship in cardiology while working as a hospice doctor to help pay his bills. Dr. Kerr states he knew close to nothing what it meant to be a doctor of the

Death is a topic many people avoid but talking about it openly can be surprisingly comforting and insightful. This is where Death Cafés come in—a unique space where people gather to talk about death, dying, and everything in between. If the name Death Café feels a little intimidating, you're not alone. Many people hesitate at first. But don’t let the name keep you away—it’s simply a space for open, honest conversation, often filled with warmth, laughter, and even moments of

Dear Friends, I hope you’re doing well! I just finished reading a book that I think you’d find absolutely fascinating: From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death by Caitlin Doughty. It’s one of those books that challenges the way you think about something as universal as death, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. Caitlin Doughty, a mortician and death-positive advocate, travels the world in this book to explore how different cultures approach dea

This post was re-published with permission from https://www.les-passeuses.com/blog/Blog%20Post%20Title%20One-2n472-5laka We rarely talk about our own death. Yet taking a moment to imagine how we would like to experience this final transition can become an act of freedom—almost an act of tenderness. An “ideal death” is not a perfect death; it is simply a death that reflects who we are, one that honours our history and our way of moving through the world. Photo from Wix. An end

This post is re-published with permission from www.serenityendoflifedoulaservices.ca Grief often arrives in silence. After the loss of a loved one, many find themselves yearning for one more conversation—one more chance to say the things left unsaid. While death is a natural part of life, the emotional landscape it leaves behind can feel overwhelming and isolating. As a death doula, I've seen firsthand the healing that comes from creating spaces where grief is not only acknow

Dear Friends, I am writing to recommend the book 21 Days to Die: The Canadian Guide to End of Life by Linda Hochstetler. This guide offers an invaluable perspective for individuals navigating the complex emotional journey of end-of-life, whether it be the person dying or those that love them. Linda Hochstetler has extensive experience and has created a resource that is useful for patients, families and their caregivers. The book is structured to provide clear, accessible guid

In a world that celebrates birth with joy and ceremony, why do we so often shy away from discussing the end of life? Death is one of the few universal experiences, yet it remains cloaked in fear, avoidance, and uncertainty. As a death doula candidate, my mission is to shift this narrative by offering compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive support to individuals and families navigating the sacred transition of dying. My journey into end-of-life care began wit

The sign read, “Please help me feed my three children.” It was made of a discarded side of a cardboard box, well-used and bent in the middle. The black ink was bold and dark, the P lease underlined. The whole sentence should have been underscored and punctuated. By her unspoken English and pleading gestures, I knew that someone else had written the sign for her. She wore her misfortune like a grieving widow, veiled in sadness and complexity. She, too, was deserving of somet

This post is republished with permission from Westcoast Duck Yoga . In a past post, I have outlined the role of the yoga therapist a nd in this post, I wanted to outline the crossover between the role of a death doula and the yoga therapist. What is a death doula ? The word “doula” is Greek for helper. Birth doulas, for example, are known in their work supporting /helping women during their labour process and so a death doula supports/helps a person through the dying proce

Having a Power of Attorney (POA) in Alberta is important because it ensures that someone you trust can make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so due to illness, injury, or absence (if you are away for an extended period, traveling or living abroad). Photo from Wix. Here are the key reasons why it's essential at any age! 1. Protects Your Financial Affairs A POA allows your chosen representative ("attorney") to manage your bank accounts, in

As someone entering the world of death care, it feels only natural to reflect on the roles and responsibilities I may have in positively influencing the reality of death and dying in my community. The assignments that Home Hospice Association (HHA) death doula candidates encounter during our training are designed to help us do just that: they are intentional, thought-provoking, and change-making. One assignment in particular stands out for me, and it involves writing a lette

Dear Friends, I hope you're doing well. I wanted to recommend a book that I believe you'll find incredibly meaningful and helpful, given your experiences and current work. The book is called Daddy, This Is It: Being-with My Dying Dad by Julie Saeger Nierenberg. This memoir beautifully chronicles Julie's journey alongside her father as he faced metastatic cancer with incredible bravery and grace. What truly stands out in this story is how he chose to live fully despite his

This blog post is reprinted with permission from https://www.mercyheartscompanioncare.com/post/the-rise-of-the-death-doula-reclaiming-death-care-traditions . Photo from Wix. The death experience, for both the dying & their bereaved loved ones, often leaves them with irrevocable pain & loss, some even facing the regret of unresolved goals or incomplete relationships. When I embarked on this journey to becoming a Death Doula , I thought a lot about my own death experiences, won

From our first moments in this life, food plays a central role. Food evokes feelings and memories. Cultures around the world celebrate holidays and important life events with specific dishes. Most people can instantly name their favourite foods, and for many of us, making someone their special meal is an act of love. Food is comfort. Food is survival. Food is health. Food is strength. Food is a love language. Photo from Wix. When someone is diagnosed with a life-limiting illn

Dear Friends, The book Grief is Love by Marisa Renee Lee is one that I have bought and started reading two times, before having someone...

Dear Friends, I wanted to recommend a book I recently read- It’s Ok That You’re Not Ok by Megan Devine. Devine is a psychotherapist who...

Dear Friends, I read the book Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss and The Heartbreaking Path of Grief by Dr. Joanne Cacciatoreafter...