Experience
In the early 1990’s I hesitantly took a volunteer position with Lions Gate Hospital Auxiliary in Palliative Care.
My job was simply to enter patients rooms and change the water in the flower vases. I was in my early twenties and the thought of seeing the very sick and dying was terrifying, as I, like most people in my generation, had been sheltered from death. Instead, the deep peace and love I witnessed in many of those hospital rooms unexpectedly left me changed.
I saw first hand what a good death could look like.
While at university I worked for my dad, a GP on the North Shore.
He was a true healer. In his office I observed the benefits of a palliative, or whole-person, approach to care. After graduation I worked in Continuing Health Education, creating and executing Continuing Medical Education Programs for physicians in B.C.
In 2004, I put my career on hold to be a mom. My three boys are older now, freeing up time for me to work outside the home.
In 2013, I took the Hospice, Oncology and Palliative training course at Lions Gate Hospital. Since then I have volunteered in the Oncology Department at Lions Gate Hospital and at North Shore Hospice. I also volunteer my time to sit vigil with people who are actively dying in care homes. In addition, I act as a mentor, guiding new graduates at North Shore Hospice.
In 2017, I took the End of Life Doula Course at Douglas College.
Currently, I am a board member for End Of Life Doula Care Association of Canada.
In January 2019, I began teaching at Douglas College.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this growing community of people dedicated to lifting the cultural taboo around dying. By getting the conversation started about death and supporting those at end-of-life we can encourage more people to live and die according to their own values and wishes.
getting older
taught me
be myself
being a mom
taught me
expect nothing
be ready for anything
keep my sense of humor
end of life doula course
taught me
follow the lead of the dying
oncology
taught me
be compassionately present with others
continuing education
taught me
spend my time in service
doing something meaningful to me
vigil
taught me
be with each moment
hospice
taught me
practice sacred listening
have confidence and trust in the dying process
mentor at hospice
taught me
be humble
hospice, oncology & palliative course
taught me
let go of my own fears around dying
society
brought me
a growing community of people wanting to help others die well
& support each other
a place for more things to come...