My Why
While I stood at the bedside of my 32 year old niece, staring at the monitors that were keeping her alive, I got this unexplainable calm that came over me. I felt so present, so mindful, so in tune to her and her still body. Her friends and our family had all gathered to be with her. She was dying. Then it happened, her heart stopped and time stood still. I was still, we all were still, fully aware that she had just passed.
It is this experience and a couple more just like it that helped me realize what I am supposed to do with my life. And that is to be with those that are terminally ill and their loved ones during this rich intimate time in oneโs life. Itโs all about being fully present, finding out what they need, offering an ear or caressing a hand. Itโs also about being there for the loved one, the care giver and offering support in ways that will help bring peace of mind. I feel like this work is a culmination of all of my lifeโs work. I received my MA in Spiritual Psychology, worked as an American Sign Language Interpreter for the deaf for over 30 years and for the past 7 years worked as a Life Coach with our company A Better You, Inc.. I had never heard of an End of Life Doula. I researched it and got certified from what I believe to be the best training-- Doulagivers lead by Suzanne OโBrien Hospice RN. Nothing has ever felt more true to me than to step into this line of work. It is an honor and privilege.