Category: Life Reviews & Legacy Projects

  • Honouring a Life

    Honouring a Life

    The Power of Life Review and Publishing a Family History Book as Legacy Work

    As people near the end of life, a natural question often arises: What will I leave behind? For many, the answer goes beyond possessions or financial inheritance—it’s about the memories, stories, values, and life lessons they hope will live on. One of the most meaningful ways to pass down that legacy is through a life review and the creation of a family history book.

    A life review is the process of reflecting on your life’s journey—your childhood, relationships, accomplishments, struggles, turning points, and sources of joy. It’s more than nostalgia; it’s a deeply healing and affirming practice that helps people find meaning in their experiences, even as they prepare to let go. Facilitated by a loved one, a personal historian, or an end-of-life doula, a life review can be a powerful way to reconnect with one’s sense of identity, resolve unfinished emotional business, and celebrate a life well lived.

    When that review is captured and preserved in a published family history book, the impact multiplies. Such a book becomes a treasured gift for future generations—a permanent record of not just names and dates, but of personality, wisdom, and lived experience. It gives children and grandchildren a window into the heart of their ancestor, helping them understand where they come from, what shaped their family, and what values have been passed down.

    The process of creating the book—gathering stories, scanning old photographs, organizing memories—can be as rewarding as the finished product. It brings families closer together, often sparking laughter, tears, and profound conversations. For the person nearing death, it offers a chance to be remembered not for their illness, but for the fullness of their life. It shifts the focus from loss to legacy, from endings to what will endure.

    Whether done with professional help or crafted with the support of family, a life review and family history book is a powerful act of love and intention. It gives voice to a lifetime of memories and ensures that those stories will continue to inspire, teach, and connect long after we are gone. In the end, it’s not just about leaving something behind—it’s about being remembered for who we truly were.

  • Five ways end of life doulas help

    Five ways end of life doulas help

    How an End-of-Life Doula Brings Comfort, Clarity, and Compassion During a Terminal Illness

    When someone receives a terminal diagnosis—whether they have months or a few years to live—it can feel like life has been turned upside down. Emotions run deep. There’s uncertainty, fear, and often a sense of being overwhelmed. In the midst of it all, many people don’t know where to turn for non-medical support that addresses the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of dying. This is where an end-of-life doula (also known as a death doula) can be a profound source of guidance and comfort.

    So, what exactly does an end-of-life doula do?

    An end-of-life doula is a trained companion who supports individuals and families through the dying process. They are not medical professionals, but they work alongside palliative and hospice teams to offer holistic care that honors the person’s emotional, spiritual, and practical needs. Some of the top services of an end-of-life doula include helping with life review and legacy projects, facilitating conversations about death and dying, assisting with end-of-life planning, and simply being a calming, compassionate presence.

    Here are five ways a death doula can help someone living with a terminal illness:

    1. Emotional Support: A doula listens without judgment and holds space for the full range of emotions. This can bring relief to those who don’t want to burden loved ones with their fears and anxieties.
    2. Legacy and Life Review: Many people facing a life-limiting illness want to make sense of their life, pass on stories, or leave behind something meaningful. Doulas can guide this process, helping create memory books, letters, or audio recordings.
    3. Advance Planning and Advocacy: Doulas can help individuals articulate their values and wishes, guiding them through end-of-life planning documents such as advance directives or funeral preferences.
    4. Caregiver and Family Support: Families often feel lost or exhausted. Doulas can provide reassurance, practical suggestions, and even respite for caregivers.
    5. Vigil and Final Moments: When the time comes, doulas can sit vigil, helping create a peaceful and sacred space, supporting both the dying person and their loved ones through the final transition.

    People searching for this kind of help often use terms like:

    • end-of-life doula
    • death doula services
    • what does a death doula do
    • end-of-life support
    • non-medical dying support

    These keywords reflect a growing awareness that dying isn’t just a clinical experience—it’s a deeply human one. And as more individuals begin seeking a better, more meaningful way to approach the end of life, death doulas are becoming an essential part of that transformation.

    Ultimately, a death doula offers something we all need: compassionate presence. They remind us that even in our most vulnerable moments, we can be seen, heard, and supported—not as patients, but as whole people with stories to tell and lives worth honoring.