If you’re familiar with the word “doula,” you probably think of it as referring to a person who provides guidance and support to a pregnant woman. From admission through delivery, a doula stays at her patient’s side providing comfort and support to the mother, her partner, and the newborn baby. But there are more doulas […]
How to Prepare for the Final Step: Words of Wisdom from an Optimistic Death Doula
Ruth McGill talks about death every day. She listens to her clients, all of whom are terminally ill, and helps them to decide where they might like to die – at home, in a hospice, or someplace else. She helps them to have conversations with family or loved ones that would otherwise be much more […]
End-of-Life Doula Shares Advice on Talking About Death and Dying
Dear Magic, I just found out that a close friend of mine’s mother has terminal cancer. My friend often wants to talk about it, and I try to be a listening ear. Sometimes she asks me for advice, and to tell you the truth, I don’t know what to say to her. Do you have […]
A “Guardian Angel” When One is Needed Most
Marjorie never felt alone at her nursing home. Although her husband died last year, and her children couldn’t be there a lot of the time to visit her, she seemed content. Her ability to speak clearly and her memory were diminishing and most people couldn’t understand what she wanted or needed, but somehow she always […]