My life journey has offered many rich blessings in a variety of professional experiences in the nursing profession, as a massage therapist/healing arts practitioner, and as a spiritual care provider for the residents in a local nursing care facility.

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During my 8 years of work in Hospice I experienced four personal family losses, three of which were unexpected traumatic deaths. Loss by suicide took me to depths within myself that I had not known; an excavation of my spiritual/religious beliefs about life and death and living more consciously began. It can be painful observing your parents, siblings, family/friends completing their own journey through these experiences. Compassion, mindful presence, professional support and deep, abiding and loving relationships offer those beacons of light and hope that carry one forward.

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My end-of-life work with Hospice also served as a preparation for the holy privilege of being present with both of my parents in their transitions. Serving as a caregiver allowed me to unwrap gifts hidden in the most subtle, unexpected places and times -- gifts that only presence allows one to have.

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Throughout the 4 years of service as a Spiritual Care Provider to residents in a long term care facility, many opportunities arose for offering education, guidance and spiritual support not only to the residents but also to their supportive community, including facility staff, throughout the dying process. In demystifying the dying process a peaceful, sacred space was created for the resident allowing for the presence of family, staff, and even other residents during their transitioning. As the facilitator of a monthly "Celebration of Life " ceremony at the facility, the supportive community of family, residents and staff were able to participate in an honoring of the life of that resident.