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
Before becoming a speaker and author, I’m not sure I really understood what an act of courage it is to share what you create. Public speaking is gravely feared, and it makes good sense! When we stand up in front of people and verbalize what’s on our hearts and minds (hoping it might be useful… Continue reading Vulnerability and Courage
Reflecting back, turning inward, and planning ahead As a doula, I have held space at both ends of life. Just as my own pregnancies and labors originally inspired my birth work, a series of personal losses inspired my interest in deathcare. Both thresholds beckon a similar presence—one that is centered, calming, and reassuring. When caring… Continue reading Healthy Preparedness
“There are only four kinds of people in the world--those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.” ― Rosalyn Carter As you may know from my writing, dementia has affected my family as it does so many others. I have three relatives currently… Continue reading Creative Care for Dementia
Publishing a book is an UNDERTAKING. What goes into it? Heaps of inspiration, ideas, stories, research, and time, plus some grit. As I near the final stretch of my new book's gestation, I'm looking back on the journey... Before this book came to be, there were serendipitous experiences that led to the "right time, right… Continue reading Creating “The Death Doula’s Guide to Living Fully and Dying Prepared”: From Invitation to Publication
Francesca Lynn Arnoldy 