Death Doula

I took the five session’By Your Side’ training to become a compassionate presence at the bedside of those at the end of their lives. I had done this informally, but the classes were excellent and I have a notebook to refer to. The main thing is to listen to what they want to say, but not to give any legal or medical advice. I have a small container of holy oil that I have used to anoint friends and pets for healing or a holy transition. I anointed my friend Sue a few times over the years and then weekly when she was in hospice care. The final time was a few days before her death when her daughter called me. The first person I anointed was my aunt when she had cancer. I also anointed my dad when he was on hospice care. This is not something I can take out an advertisement for, but perhaps by word of mouth someone will contact me. This is my calling in senior adulthood.

— KathyV