If you know me at all as a doula or death lit writer, you know I reference “intensity” far more often than “suffering.” This is because intensity—during birth, death, or grief—is pretty much a given. Whether it’s felt by the person actually journeying through or those surrounding them, and whether it’s emotional, physical, spiritual, or… Continue reading Attending to Suffering: Helplessness and Proximity
First, please know, you are held in gratitude. Whether you are a clinician, faith leader, deathcare worker, life coach, volunteer, neighbor, or loved one, the support you supply to others is crucial. Without it, many among us would feel lonely and neglected. So, thank you. Caring for people through the end of life can become… Continue reading A Letter to Death Care Providers & Partners
(Originally published by Death Doula Network International) As deathcare providers (and people who have personally experienced loss), we know that issues of regret, shame, and forgiveness can sometimes arise during a person’s last chapter. It’s as if suppressed difficulties return when time runs short. Knowing this, how might we begin to prepare ourselves and those… Continue reading Resolution Through Releasing
To know him was to know connection. Bob "Hoff" Hoffman was a brilliant bundle of energy. He lived zestfully and died prepared. Hoff first reached out to me in 2019 after attending one of my death literacy events. We met for coffee and became fast friends. Always a supporter of my work and books, he… Continue reading Harmonically Ours
(Originally published on the WOW: Women's Older Wisdom blog) One of the ongoing entries in my Death Journal has been my “Happiness Is” list. When I revisit this particular section, I see evidence of numerous additions. There are different inks, and my handwriting varies as well. Some of the initial entries are large as though… Continue reading Happiness Is…
Francesca Lynn Arnoldy 