In conversation with Rebecca Hart, Death Doula.
In a city known for reinvention, where trends and careers come and go, the role of a death doula stands apart. It is a calling as ancient as it is intimate, offering guidance through the most universal experience of all: dying. I sat down with Rebecca Hart, a Los Angeles-based death doula, to learn about her work and the deeply personal connection she shares with her clients and their families.
Q: What exactly is a death doula?
Rebecca Hart: A death doula is someone who provides emotional, spiritual and practical support to individuals who are dying and to their loved ones. We create a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk about death openly and help with everything from legacy planning to simply holding someone's hand in their final hours.
Q: How did you become a death doula?
Rebecca Hart: My path started after I lost my mother to cancer ten years ago.READ MORE
READ MORE
A Kind Heart: Meet Althea; Home Care Nurse.
Q: What inspired your path to home care for terminal patients?
Althea Santos: It was my grandmother. She had Alzheimer's, and we kept her at home until the very end. Caring for her showed me how important it is for people to feel comforted, safe and loved during those final days. After becoming a registered nurse, I knew I wanted to work in hospice and palliative care. It's not an easy path, but it's deeply rewarding.
Q: What inspired you to become a home care nurse for terminal patients?
Althea Santos: No two days are the same. In the morning, I might visit a client to check their vitals, adjust medication and ensure they're comfortable. Then I'll work their family - educating them about what to expect, helping them with practicalities, or sometimes just being a sounding board for their grief. My afternoons could be spent at another home, helping a patient eat or simply holding their hand while we talk. It's as much about medical care as it is about emotional and human connection.READ MORE
READ MORE
Planning for Peace: Talking Advance Care Plans.
I sat down with attorney Michael Forrest in his Pasadena office - a cozy space lined with leather-bound books and soft light streaming through the windows - to discuss his role in guiding people through the delicate process of planning for the future.
Q: How did you find your way into advanced care planning law?
Michael Forrest: It was personal, actually. Years ago, my father had a stroke and we were blindsided - we didn't know his wishes and it created a lot of stress for my family. That experience stuck me. I realized how much pain and confusion could be avoided with a proper plan in place. Once I became an attorney, I know I wanted to focus on this area.
Q: What exactly does advance care planning entail?
Michael Forrest: It's about making your medical, financial and personal wishes clear while you still can. This includes documents like living wills, medical power of attorney and advanced directives. It's not just for the elderly - it's for anyone who wants to ensureREAD MORE
READ MORE
In Remembrance: Claire Jennings, Obituary Writer.
In a profession often overlooked but deeply significant, Claire Jennings crafts obituaries that honor lives and offer solace to grieving families. Her work transcends mere reporting; each piece becomes a portrait of a life well-lived or a struggle bravely fought.
Q: Claire, how did you find yourself writing obituaries?
Claire Jennings: It wasn't something I planned. I was a journalist, covering everything from city council meetings to lifestyle features, but when a colleague asked me to write a obituary for her father, something clicked. I realized it was one of the most meaningful forms of storytelling. I started freelancing obituaries and eventually, it became my full-time focus.Q: What makes a good obituary?
Claire Jennings: A good obituary is more than just dates and facts. It's a snapshot of someone's essence - their personality, their quirks, the things they cared about.READ MORE
READ MORE
"A Final Voyage" : Ash Scattering in Marina Del Rey
Nestled in Marina Del Rey, Pacific Serenity Ash Scattering offers a unique and deeply moving service: scattering ashes at sea. James Cartwright, the company's founder and captain, has turned his lifelong love for the ocean into a mission to provide families with a tranquil and meaningful way to say goodbye. I met James on his sleek, sunlit boat, where he shared his inspiration behind his work and the emotions that come with it.
Q: James, what inspired you to start this business?
James Cartwright: It was personal, really. When my father passed away, he requested to have his ashes scattered at sea. I'll never forget that day - the ocean was calm and it felt like the perfect farewell. I realized how healing that moment was for my family and thought, "Why not create that experience for others?"
Q: How does a typical ceremony unfold?
James Cartwright: Every ceremony is unique, but the goal is always the same: to provide peace and closure. We work closely with families to plan everything - from the music toREAD MORE
READ MORE
In conversation with
Rebecca Hart, Death Doula.
In a city known for reinvention,
where trends and careers come and go, the role of a death doula stands apart. It is a calling as ancient as it is intimate, offering guidance through the most universal experience of all: dying. I sat down with Rebecca Hart,
a Los Angeles-based death doula,
to learn about her work and the deeply personal connection she shares with her clients and their families.
Q: What exactly is a death doula?
Rebecca Hart: A death doula is someone who provides emotional, spiritual and practical support to individuals who are dying and to
their loved ones. We create a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk about death openly and help with everything from legacy planning to simply holding someone's hand in their final hours.
Q: How did you become a death doula?
Rebecca Hart: My path started after
I lost my mother to cancer ten years ago.
READ MORE
Q: What inspired your path to home care for terminal patients?
Althea Santos: It was my grandmother. She had Alzheimer's, and we kept her at home until the very end. Caring for her showed me how important it is for people to feel comforted, safe and loved during those final days. After becoming a registered nurse, I knew I wanted to work in hospice and palliative care. It's not an easy path, but it's deeply rewarding.
Q: What inspired you to become a home care nurse for terminal patients?
Althea Santos: No two days are the same. In the morning, I might visit a client to check their vitals, adjust medication and ensure they're comfortable. Then I'll work their family - educating them about what to expect, helping them with practicalities, or sometimes just being a sounding board for their grief. My afternoons could be spent at another home, helping a patient eat or simply holding their hand while we talk. It's as much about medical care as it is about emotional and human connection.
READ MORE
Planning for Peace:
Talking Advance Care Plans.
I sat down with attorney Michael Forrest in his Pasadena office - a cozy space lined with leather-bound books and soft light streaming through the windows - to discuss his role in guiding people through the delicate process of planning for the future.
Q: How did you find your way into advanced care planning law?
Michael Forrest: It was personal, actually. Years ago, my father had a stroke and we were blindsided - we didn't know his wishes and it created a lot of stress for my family. That experience stuck me. I realized how much pain and confusion could be avoided with a proper plan in place. Once I became an attorney, I know I wanted to focus on this area.
Q: What exactly does advance care planning entail?
Michael Forrest: It's about making your medical, financial and personal wishes clear while you still can. This includes documents like living wills, medical power of attorney and advanced directives. It's not just for the elderly - it's for anyone who wants to ensure
READ MORE
In Remembrance: Claire Jennings, Obituary Writer.
In a profession often overlooked but deeply significant, Claire Jennings crafts obituaries that honor lives and offer solace to grieving families. Her work transcends mere reporting; each piece becomes a portrait of a life well-lived or a struggle bravely fought.
Q: Claire, how did you find yourself writing obituaries?
Claire Jennings: It wasn't something I planned. I was a journalist, covering everything from city council meetings to lifestyle features, but when a colleague asked me to write a obituary for her father, something clicked. I realized it was one of the most meaningful forms of storytelling. I started freelancing obituaries and eventually, it became my full-time focus.
Q: What makes a good obituary?
Claire Jennings: A good obituary is more than just dates and facts. It's a snapshot of someone's essence - their personality, their quirks, the things they cared about.
READ MORE
"A Final Voyage" : Ash
Scattering in Marina Del Rey
Nestled in Marina Del Rey, Pacific Serenity Ash Scattering offers a unique and deeply moving service: scattering ashes at sea. James Cartwright, the company's founder and captain, has turned his lifelong love for the ocean into a mission to provide families with a tranquil and meaningful way to say goodbye. I met James on his sleek, sunlit boat, where he shared his inspiration behind his work and the emotions that come
with it.
Q: James, what inspired you to start this business?
James Cartwright: It was personal, really. When my father passed away, he requested to have his ashes scattered at sea. I'll never forget that day - the ocean was calm and it felt like the perfect farewell. I realized how healing that moment was for my family and thought, "Why not create that experience for others?"
Q: How does a typical ceremony unfold?
James Cartwright: Every ceremony is unique, but the goal is always the same: to provide peace and closure. We work closely with families to plan everything - from the music to the flo-
READ MORE
In conversation with Rebecca Hart, Death Doula.
In a city known for reinvention, where trends and careers come and go, the role of a death doula stands apart. It is a calling as ancient as it is intimate, offering guidance through the most universal experience of all: dying. I sat down with Rebecca Hart, a Los Angeles-based death doula, to learn about her work and the deeply personal connection she shares with her clients and their families.
Q: What exactly is a death doula?
Rebecca Hart: A death doula is someone who provides emotional, spiritual and practical support to individuals who are dying and to their loved ones. We create a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk about death openly and help with everything from legacy planning to simply holding someone's hand in their final hours.
Q: How did you become a death doula?
Rebecca Hart: My path started after I lost my mother to cancer ten years ago.READ MORE
READ MORE
A Kind Heart: Meet Althea; Home Care Nurse.
Q: What inspired your path to home care for terminal patients?
Althea Santos: It was my grandmother. She had Alzheimer's, and we kept her at home until the very end. Caring for her showed me how important it is for people to feel comforted, safe and loved during those final days. After becoming a registered nurse, I knew I wanted to work in hospice and palliative care. It's not an easy path, but it's deeply rewarding.
Q: What inspired you to become a home care nurse for terminal patients?
Althea Santos: No two days are the same. In the morning, I might visit a client to check their vitals, adjust medication and ensure they're comfortable. Then I'll work their family - educating them about what to expect, helping them with practicalities, or sometimes just being a sounding board for their grief. My afternoons could be spent at another home, helping a patient eat or simply holding their hand while we talk. It's as much about medical care as it is about emotional and human connection.READ MORE
READ MORE
Planning for Peace: Talking Advance Care Plans.
I sat down with attorney Michael Forrest in his Pasadena office - a cozy space lined with leather-bound books and soft light streaming through the windows - to discuss his role in guiding people through the delicate process of planning for the future.
Q: How did you find your way into advanced care planning law?
Michael Forrest: It was personal, actually. Years ago, my father had a stroke and we were blindsided - we didn't know his wishes and it created a lot of stress for my family. That experience stuck me. I realized how much pain and confusion could be avoided with a proper plan in place. Once I became an attorney, I know I wanted to focus on this area.
Q: What exactly does advance care planning entail?
Michael Forrest: It's about making your medical, financial and personal wishes clear while you still can. This includes documents like living wills, medical power of attorney and advanced directives. It's not just for the elderly - it's for anyone who wants to ensureREAD MORE
READ MORE
In Remembrance: Claire Jennings, Obituary Writer.
In a profession often overlooked but deeply significant, Claire Jennings crafts obituaries that honor lives and offer solace to grieving families. Her work transcends mere reporting; each piece becomes a portrait of a life well-lived or a struggle bravely fought.
Q: Claire, how did you find yourself writing obituaries?
Claire Jennings: It wasn't something I planned. I was a journalist, covering everything from city council meetings to lifestyle features, but when a colleague asked me to write a obituary for her father, something clicked. I realized it was one of the most meaningful forms of storytelling. I started freelancing obituaries and eventually, it became my full-time focus.Q: What makes a good obituary?
Claire Jennings: A good obituary is more than just dates and facts. It's a snapshot of someone's essence - their personality, their quirks, the things they cared about.READ MORE
READ MORE
"A Final Voyage" : Ash Scattering in Marina Del Rey
Nestled in Marina Del Rey, Pacific Serenity Ash Scattering offers a unique and deeply moving service: scattering ashes at sea. James Cartwright, the company's founder and captain, has turned his lifelong love for the ocean into a mission to provide families with a tranquil and meaningful way to say goodbye. I met James on his sleek, sunlit boat, where he shared his inspiration behind his work and the emotions that come with it.
Q: James, what inspired you to start this business?
James Cartwright: It was personal, really. When my father passed away, he requested to have his ashes scattered at sea. I'll never forget that day - the ocean was calm and it felt like the perfect farewell. I realized how healing that moment was for my family and thought, "Why not create that experience for others?"
Q: How does a typical ceremony unfold?
James Cartwright: Every ceremony is unique, but the goal is always the same: to provide peace and closure. We work closely with families to plan everything - from the music toREAD MORE
READ MORE
In conversation with
Rebecca Hart, Death Doula.
In a city known for reinvention,
where trends and careers come and go, the role of a death doula stands apart. It is a calling as ancient as it is intimate, offering guidance through the most universal experience of all: dying. I sat down with Rebecca Hart,
a Los Angeles-based death doula,
to learn about her work and the deeply personal connection she shares with her clients and their families.
Q: What exactly is a death doula?
Rebecca Hart: A death doula is someone who provides emotional, spiritual and practical support to individuals who are dying and to
their loved ones. We create a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk about death openly and help with everything from legacy planning to simply holding someone's hand in their final hours.
Q: How did you become a death doula?
Rebecca Hart: My path started after
I lost my mother to cancer ten years ago.
READ MORE
Q: What inspired your path to home care for terminal patients?
Althea Santos: It was my grandmother. She had Alzheimer's, and we kept her at home until the very end. Caring for her showed me how important it is for people to feel comforted, safe and loved during those final days. After becoming a registered nurse, I knew I wanted to work in hospice and palliative care. It's not an easy path, but it's deeply rewarding.
Q: What inspired you to become a home care nurse for terminal patients?
Althea Santos: No two days are the same. In the morning, I might visit a client to check their vitals, adjust medication and ensure they're comfortable. Then I'll work their family - educating them about what to expect, helping them with practicalities, or sometimes just being a sounding board for their grief. My afternoons could be spent at another home, helping a patient eat or simply holding their hand while we talk. It's as much about medical care as it is about emotional and human connection.
READ MORE
Planning for Peace:
Talking Advance Care Plans.
I sat down with attorney Michael Forrest in his Pasadena office - a cozy space lined with leather-bound books and soft light streaming through the windows - to discuss his role in guiding people through the delicate process of planning for the future.
Q: How did you find your way into advanced care planning law?
Michael Forrest: It was personal, actually. Years ago, my father had a stroke and we were blindsided - we didn't know his wishes and it created a lot of stress for my family. That experience stuck me. I realized how much pain and confusion could be avoided with a proper plan in place. Once I became an attorney, I know I wanted to focus on this area.
Q: What exactly does advance care planning entail?
Michael Forrest: It's about making your medical, financial and personal wishes clear while you still can. This includes documents like living wills, medical power of attorney and advanced directives. It's not just for the elderly - it's for anyone who wants to ensure
READ MORE
In Remembrance: Claire Jennings, Obituary Writer.
In a profession often overlooked but deeply significant, Claire Jennings crafts obituaries that honor lives and offer solace to grieving families. Her work transcends mere reporting; each piece becomes a portrait of a life well-lived or a struggle bravely fought.
Q: Claire, how did you find yourself writing obituaries?
Claire Jennings: It wasn't something I planned. I was a journalist, covering everything from city council meetings to lifestyle features, but when a colleague asked me to write a obituary for her father, something clicked. I realized it was one of the most meaningful forms of storytelling. I started freelancing obituaries and eventually, it became my full-time focus.
Q: What makes a good obituary?
Claire Jennings: A good obituary is more than just dates and facts. It's a snapshot of someone's essence - their personality, their quirks, the things they cared about.
READ MORE
"A Final Voyage" : Ash
Scattering in Marina Del Rey
Nestled in Marina Del Rey, Pacific Serenity Ash Scattering offers a unique and deeply moving service: scattering ashes at sea. James Cartwright, the company's founder and captain, has turned his lifelong love for the ocean into a mission to provide families with a tranquil and meaningful way to say goodbye. I met James on his sleek, sunlit boat, where he shared his inspiration behind his work and the emotions that come
with it.
Q: James, what inspired you to start this business?
James Cartwright: It was personal, really. When my father passed away, he requested to have his ashes scattered at sea. I'll never forget that day - the ocean was calm and it felt like the perfect farewell. I realized how healing that moment was for my family and thought, "Why not create that experience for others?"
Q: How does a typical ceremony unfold?
James Cartwright: Every ceremony is unique, but the goal is always the same: to provide peace and closure. We work closely with families to plan everything - from the music to the flo-
READ MORE