In my work as an End-of-life Navigator and Funeral Celebrant I hear the early stories families tell when someone has died. Sometimes folks have had time to prepare themselves for loss but more often, even if there has been time, they are in shock because of sudden release from the demands of care-taking, or unmoored by an untimely demise. These stories are confided in their first telling, before they are codified into a family's lore, before the edited versions are released. The sorrow still has raw edges and uncertainties, and in hindsight I hear people wishing they'd had more skill at understanding what was happening for their loved one, more awareness so that they could have been more present. These stories have drawn me towards working with families before death occurs: to encourage open conversation explicitly about death, to support clear decision making processes, to help people find in themselves the strength to meet the needs of their dying loved one, and to support their resilience to weather and carry grief. Because the dominant culture is in denial about death, many of us have lost touch with the skills necessary to do death well. Last week a funeral client family told me they wish they had known I could help before their loved one died. There are so many reasons to be able to talk to the people close to us about death. There is so much good that can grow from these conversations, so that when death comes close we can be present and useful. I am here to help with these conversations, to hear what you are thinking and feeling, and to provide support for your forward steps. This is what I do. If you want to know more, or need support that makes a difference, please explore this website. You can email, call, or text me, any time you want to check in:
