HOW DO I DO IT (Talking about Death)?
With care and humour. There is no hiding it, I’m Death-Positive so I hold space for those who are planning with strength, knowledge, respect and a dab of funny. Many may find this perspective difficult but having grown up on a small acreage with goats, and ducks, and a pony, I learnt early about the cycle of life and death. I also have experience with neurodivergent ways of understanding the world and these ways of seeing and knowing are often open-minded, loving, pragmatic, and humourous. I bring these traits to each advance plan, ritual design, and memorial project.
Welcome, there is so much to share. I hope we will share stories, questions, and comments as we travel this Mortal Wayfare together. I’ll start: I’m excited to start a new journey along the path of Death Doulaing. I recently earned my certificate in end-of-life doula care with Douglas College. This is a challenging path for myself and for them. Talking about about death is challenging in the best of times, but to imagine one’s own demise is a new kind of work. A Death Doula brings support and expertise about the many options available, but we also hold you with care as we explore and set out your ideas, beliefs and values, for a dignified death.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Working together we move through different areas of consideration: personal beliefs and values, wishes, vigil plans, funeral/celebration, rituals and legacy designs, as well as pragmatics such as medical intervention lists, Temporary Substitute Decision Maker, Advance Directives. These and more are captured in a document that is shared with trusted loved ones and health care providers.
WHAT DOES ANY OF THIS LOOK LIKE?
Over the coming weeks I will share a wide variety of examples of what is possible. We’ll explore what our ancestors did, and examine examples by long past cultures. I’ll also share imagined possibilities – because the only limits are your imaginations (and local regulations, of course).