When a Family Member Dies

November is a natural time for remembrance. As the days grow colder and darker, we’re invited to turn inward. My friend Jilly calls it embering time — the flames of busyness and bluster have died down, and all that remains are the glowing coals. Time to take an intentional rest for the purpose of conserving…

Liminal space: that in-between place where a person is transitioning from life into death. It’s long past the point of encouragement that things will get better. Now it’s time for brave words: “This is what dying feels like. It’s OK. Your body knows what to do. Relax and let go.” Just like labouring to birth…

I’ll admit it, I enjoy the conveniences of technology: online shopping, self-serve checkouts and the many tools at my fingertips on my smart phone. Technology has evolved exponentially fast in a few short decades, but somewhere along the way, we’ve lost something important: our emotional connection to each other. It feels like convenience has become…

There is no incorrect way to approach death, there are only options and instincts. That said, when a person dies in BC there are standard steps that need to be taken. This content was inspired by Emily Bootle’s work at DeathCare BC and gratefully shared with her permission. The first few moments: Be present There is a strong…