Sandy Marson
Soul Parting Doula
Death Doula
End of life doula
Reach out
A "death doula" or "parting doula" provides holistic, non-judgmental, non-medical support to those nearing the end of life. This empowering support for the terminally ill at any age and elderly care is a love immeasurable and a humbling beautiful experience. When you give love to those entering the end-of-life phase this becomes like a song for the soul. This is the way my soul chooses to grow and in return help those part ways (parting) with their body into the next journey.
As a Parting Doula, I assist the dying understand their own fears of death, deal with regrets, forgiveness, assist with the increase of inner strength and peace to move towards dying. This is called dying a "Good Death."
I didn't realize how I have been a doula since I was young. Death and dying are a part of life that we don't mention or discuss openly about. There is a stigma that death is ugly and scary. Our fear is of the unknown no matter what your faith or unfaith is. The transition and osmosis from life to death is a dance for each of us to take. For some, death comes suddenly without preparation and for others it's a waiting game that can last for too long.
I began this work being completely present with people, serving them and offering them comfort in their last days but more importantly, walking alongside them as they consider the meaning, challenges, struggles and legacies of their lives that they want to leave behind. The needs for the dying's physical, emotional, mental and spiritual journey towards a "good death" is personal and authentic. No two deaths are alike. I’ve been asked why I choose to be with dying people and how awful it must be. The experiences this work has shown and taught me are how to be emotionally fed, uplifted, enlightened as the dying teach and fill me with knowledge and gratitude to be with them on the final journey from this life to the next adventure. My clients have taught me how to LIVE!
A parting doula will at the initial point of contact gather information to discuss how long your life expectation according to your physician will be? Are you working with hospice care (very important)? Do you have a Will in place? Do you have advance care directives? Do you have someone that is assisting with housekeeping or food preparation and following your dietary needs? Are you at home or other location such as a care facility? Will your family be present for the "In-Home" meeting that we set up? Have you thought about what you want to leave behind for your family in term s of a Legacy Project or something more personal that will provide closure for you such as a Life Review? Have you thought about your funeral or vigil? These questions give me a guideline on the time you will want my services, how often these occur and outlines what I will be doing specifically to your request. You are at a place where you only have so much time to complete the tasks that you have set up for yourself. My goal is to get you to the finish line prepared and complete in this life.
I’m here to lighten the load off the shoulders of those that are dying and also be supportive for the family that is enduring the loss as well. I’m an honest and positive professional whose first priority is always at the direction of my clients, young or old and to be with their families for comfort while they are tackling personal decisions themselves and reaching important milestones towards closure and peace. My job is to guide you on the path of success. I’m fueled by my commitment to excellence and go the extra mile to make sure clients are fully satisfied.
As a professional parting doula, I believe in maintaining a positive mindset, creating partnerships with a purpose, and always striving for significant outcomes. Contact me today for an initial consultation, and find out more about how I can tailor my services to your needs. I'm looking forward to this journey with you.
Who i am
About Me
Plans and Pricing
Initial telephone/video Consultation
one hour
Free
This initial meeting can take up to an hour to discuss your needs, answer questions and determine when the in-person appointment will be. There are lots of questions that you have and since this time is free, please write out your questions and have another trusted person with you so that you can get the most of this time.
Monthly companionship
one hour to 8 hours depending on needs
Pricing to be determined at in-home interview as we consider income and hours
This option give you the opportunity to see the value of what a doula does. This works great for someone that is living at home, in an elderly care facility and has time on their side. This allows me to cook, clean, shopping, take to appointments or any task where you would appreciate the assistance and company.
in-home consultation
1-3 hours
Pricing is discussed at initial interview
This one on one meeting can take up to three hours to further discuss your options, answer questions and determine when to begin your companionship services. There are lots of questions that you have and since this service is set a fixed price that we determined on the initial interview, please write out your questions and have another trusted person with you so that you can get the most of this time.
Soul parting
About 10-14 days before parting
Pricing to be determined and a stand alone contract will be created for this event
The days and amount of time spent in the last days will be charged a flat service fee that is agreed upon with the dying client. This will include up to seven days as the transition from life to death occurs. The preparing of the body, as per the dying's wishes, after death and being present for the immediate vigil for the family are included. The Soul Parting also includes any assistance needed for the final wishes of the client towards final body instructions and burial.
Doula Services offered
Looking through the windshield of what you are about to go through can be scary since discussing death and dying is not commonplace I want to show you what options can look like. First, we will have an initial telephone call that will allow me to get to know more about you and assist in determining your needs. The next process will entail an in-person meeting at your home, this meeting can take one to three hours, but it is vital in ensuring that you get the companionship or "good death" that you deserve to have as it will be uniquely you.
The services offered below will be discussed at the time of the in-home meeting. Please take the time to review each option as you may choose more than one option. The plan of action may change but knowing what your criteria and needs are will ensure that you will have the care and death you desire.
Terminally Ill
Finding out that you have been diagnosed as terminally ill is a difficult time in your life. There are so many things that are going on that it's hard to know where to start. As a doula, my role is to support and comfort you as much as possible but also provide empowerment, education, preparation and closure during this time of so many emotions and feelings. One thing to remember is that YOU are still ALIVE! I will help you enjoy your time that is remaining and leave a lasting mark for others.
Legacy Project
life Review Project
You have lived! No person dies without a reason and no person lives without a reason. Life has to have purpose, meaning and value. Creating a Legacy Project can be whatever you want it to be for those close to you to remember what your light is. A Legacy Project is a physical remembrance of your life story and values. A Life Review Project is very personal and belongs only to you the dying. This is a private endeavor that nobody will see except me and if you choose to share. This could be a way of making peace with the past or a confession that you will acknowledge to lead to a "Good Death".
Elder Care
Elder care is also called "companion care" and allows the end of life or parting doula to be a friend and companion to the client for indefinite amount of time. This also could entail shopping, preparing meals according to diet restrictions, light housekeeping and transportation to and from appointments. This relationship will over time become end of life focused. Many elderly are just lonesome and enjoy the company and attention. The schedule can be arranged to best fit the needs and budget of the client.
life funerals or vigils
Life Funerals are a celebration of life while you are still living. Hearing what others have to say about you and sharing memories is a very positive way to pass away from this world. Vigils are another way to honor someone that has passed. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the death of a loved one, these can be very public or simple and personal. As your doula, I will create the event and do the work for you so that you can take in the moments that matter most.
Respite Care
If you are a family member that is taking care of a loved one and find that you need some self-care but don't want to leave your loved one alone, this is where I come in to assist YOU, the family member. You are giving all your time, work and love but not filling up your own tank. You may be afraid to leave your family member to go to the store or get a haircut, this is where I find solutions that your brain cannot deal with at this time. It's okay to need some time for yourself and I am happy to help.
Mourning, Post-loss care and grief care
Once your loved one has passed, you are going to need practical and emotional support. As your doula, I offer assistance with the final arrangements, grief discussions, material artifact support or post death home organization and most of all a friendship that goes beyond the death of a loved one. For some, moving forward is necessary immediately and for others the loss is deeply felt, compassion and care are needed from someone who knows your loved one.
Other Services
There are end of life doulas for pets as well. If you want a doula to come be with you as your pet is leaving this place or to be a support for you after the loss of your pet, please reach out and I can get you in touch with someone in that specific field.
Material Artifact Support or Post Death Organization are what needs to be dealt with after the parting. For the dying, you may tackle this while living by giving possessions to family or friends. It's important that you know what you want to do with your estate. I have resources that can work with you and your family to assist with this process.
Connect with me
Sandy Marson
SoulUpCrew@yahoo.com
509-387-1262
www.SoulPartingDoula.com
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