Thirty Nine Years and One Day
Mom was a widow at 38 with four daughters to raise and no emotional support. When mom expressed sadness about dad’s death she was told she just needed to get over it. Grief was not as well understood nor a topic of discussion back then.
What Does Dying Mean to a Five Year Old?
At five years old I had no concept of death. When I saw my dad laying in his casket at the funeral home I thought he was sleeping. I didn’t realize it was permanent. I ran around the casket thinking it was a game we were playing; pulling myself up on tiptoes to look in at him and wondering why his face was frozen.
Bringing Maggie’s Body Home
I understand why it is so important that we become more comfortable with death; it lessens the fear. Witnessing the beauty of Maggie’s home funeral will play a part in future decisions for my other beloved pets. It also confirms the plan I have for the disposition of my own body when I die.
My Journey to Become an End of Life Doula
My journey to become an end of life doula as well as a hospice nurse began after Christmas 1995 when my grandpa found out he had metastatic lung cancer with a grim prognosis.