Writing can be a surprisingly powerful companion when life gets hard. It gives us a place to breathe, to play with words, and to say the things that don’t always come easily out loud. That spirit is what inspired me to host a four-part writing workshop for people living with cancer, guided by the beautiful themes in The Correspondent . This post is a peek inside our first session — and a reminder that writing isn’t just about putting words on a page. It’s about creating conne

Two years into my work as an end-of-life doula, I find myself pausing to take stock. My heart is full — brimming with gratitude for the stories I’ve been entrusted to witness. Stories of hope. Faces lit with surprise and wonder. Moments of raw empathy for those navigating grief and loneliness. Above all, I feel an immense privilege in being welcomed into the intimate spaces of families standing at the threshold of profound loss. To be invited into those moments — when life is

If you’re 50 or older, it’s time to take a moment and reflect on your belongings. Have you ever thought about the impact your possessions might have on your loved ones? While some items may hold deep sentimental value for you, they could simply be seen as clutter by those you leave behind. It’s time to take a long, hard look at your “stuff” and ask yourself: will anyone I love want this? Spoiler alert: it's likely they won’t. By organizing your possessions, you’re not just t

When Is the Right Time to Think About Death? Yesterday. Now. Tomorrow. Think about death the way you think about other momentous events in your life. You plan. You dream. You imagine. You visualize. Yet when it comes to death, many of us bury our heads in the sand and hope it will sort itself out. Take it from me: facing it—gently, honestly—will be one of the greatest gifts you ever give yourself and the people you love. Let me tell you why, through a true story. A teacher at

Have you ever felt a weight you couldn’t quite name? Not a pain exactly, but a heaviness—your chest dense as lead, your shoulders burdened, your thoughts dimmed by something just out of reach. It lingers without form or language. Yet if you pause—truly pause—and sit with it, undistracted, you may begin to sense it: a faint presence stirring in the shadowed recesses of your soma. As adults, this sensation is familiar—and not entirely unwelcome. With time, we learn to draw upon

Hospice care often carries a heavy stigma. Many people think choosing hospice means surrendering hope or abandoning treatment. This misunderstanding can prevent patients and families from accessing the compassionate support they need during difficult times. The truth is hospice care focuses on quality of life, comfort, and dignity , not giving up. This article explores what hospice care really means, how it helps patients and families, and why it should be seen as a positive

Part One: “Dying Is Always Painful” This is the first in a series of posts dedicated to gently dismantling the myths about dying that cause unnecessary fear, anxiety, and avoidance. These myths are deeply woven into our culture, reinforced by media portrayals and whispered stories, yet rarely challenged by those who actually sit at the bedside. As a Death Doula, I do exactly that. A Note From the Bedside As a Death Doula, I am present when a human is transitioning—and, ideall

Donna January 26, 2025   Sarah and Debbie are stepsisters.  They share beautiful love and admiration for their mother, Donna.  Donna is...

Susan January 14, 2025   “This is Carey.  Your hospice care team asked me to contact you.  I’m an end-of-life doula.”   Silence.  Aching...

In today’s world, speaking about end-of-life care and grief can be a challenging conversation. However, there is a compassionate and caring service that aims to support individuals and their families through this difficult time. Chesapeake Bay Death Doula offers a range of services including end-of-life doula support, grief coaching, and compassionate care for those facing terminal illness. Our focus is on providing understanding and support for both the individual transition