"Why do you do this work?"

I could say I'm drawn to it because I believe everyone deserves quality comfort care through end-of-life. I could say it's because I love being a part of peoples' lives during this transformative time. But my biggest motivator is simply that death has always been a pivotal part of my life and working in this field reminds me how truly precious life is. 

When I was 16 years old, my dad was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor. In that moment, my world changed.

I watched him undergo grueling treatment. I witnessed my step-mother care for him with love and ferocity. Most importantly, I learned how to "do death well" by watching my mum mindfully tend to our family and guide us through his end-of-life.  

For many years after my dad’s death, the reality of my mortality haunted me. Especially the nagging sense that I could get sick at any moment and die before I'd had the chance to fully live my life. Over time, I transformed my fears into empowerment. A natural planner, I realized that naming what I was most afraid of and making a plan to soothe those fears would allow me to find peace again. Now a mum of two little ones ages 8 and 11, I'm energized by helping individuals and families move through the fear and silence that surround death.

Well, that WAS my story. 
 
My world changed again in March 2019, when my mum was diagnosed with her own glioblastoma brain tumor. 

For months, I reeled from the shock: how could both my parents die of the same rare disease? What did it mean? Why was the universe bringing this tragedy to me? ​ 

In the midst of this pain, I also felt deep gratitude. Gratitude that I knew the landscape we were being thrust in to: first, the emergency room  then hospital admission. Cancer Centre visits and community and private home care and eventually, Hospice and palliative care. Through it all, I held space for my mum and our family to grieve together, to laugh together, and to mark important milestones as she (and we) gradually let go of this life. 

Supporting my young children through this difficult time was a priority for me. I found ways to invite them in to a healthy grieving process and to explain what was happening in a child-friendly way using play and ritual, and simple and direct language. I leaned heavily on my experience as a Certified Roots of Empathy Instructor to create a safe space for all the ways they needed to express their grief; and let's be honest, some of their behaviors really tested my calm and patience as a parent deep in my own grief.

It is an honour and privilege to be with you as you and your family transform through the experience of grief. I look forward to meeting you and learning how I can be of service.