I loved that someone asked a science question when I asked what information folks wanted me to share. The reason? That is why I chose this profession – the science. It turns out that is not what has kept me here, but it is still woven into what I love about this work.

Good morning and thank you for being here - from the bottom of my heart. I know that you have an endless source of education and entertainment options and, if you are here, you have made a choice to spend time with me. I hope it is a choice that makes your life better, so if there is something I can do in that regard, please let me know.

What if the situation was not about listening to your surroundings, rather you were being asked to listen to someone speaking to you? Would it be easier or more difficult to a) stay quiet and b) hold your attention?

I was introduced to this poem this week and it surprised me with it’s potency. I even took the time to learn it in Spanish, as I felt like it preferred to be spoken in its native language.

On a recent drive from grandma and grandpa’s house, I thought it would be fun to interview my 12 year old on what he thinks of all this gestures to my mortician job and the fragility of life that surrounds us always.

I have learned some wonderful things during my time in funeral service and have seen some transformative, healing moments. I have also had the opportunity to watch people unravel - times of high stress can open the door to the worst versions of ourselves. Sometimes we aren’t sure who we are going to meet until the day of a death occurs - but by then it may be too late to create or enforce boundaries.

Do young women still read Sylvia Plath? I know many of us of a certain age sure did and The Bell Jar is one of those books that meant something. In our teenage melancholy, we saw ourselves reflected in her life and situation - awkward, bumbling, intelligent and on a mission.

This weekend I spent quality time catching up with a friend I hadn’t seen for a while. Over tea, she tells me that she had the opportunity to dabble in death doula-ing, as her neighbor had passed away just recently. Naturally, I wanted to know more..

I am a Virgo, which means I like order and things being *just so*. When things are put in their place and surfaces are shiny, I feel on top of the world! If only I could keep it that way. I am also a busy person..

When I met my husband, Sam, Abby was the female in his life. A lump of a Rottweiler who loved to sneak up on the couch when no one was looking. I did not have much experience with the breed myself, but my husband was a Rottweiler guy…