Embracing Life's Final Chapters with Hillside Ferns
Welcome,
I hope this message finds you in a moment of peace and reflection. I'm excited to share with you the journey that led me to establish Hillside Ferns, LLC—a death doula practice that embodies my deep connection with nature and my passion for guiding individuals through the end-of-life journey with compassion, love, and dignity.
My path to becoming a death doula was unexpected. For seven fulfilling years, I dedicated myself to teaching elementary and middle school students. Later, I found joy and purpose in raising my two children as a stay-at-home mom. However, life took an unexpected turn when I found myself grappling with a profound fear of death that put me in a constant state of fight or flight.
It was during this time that I sought solace in nature, particularly in the sanctuary of my home nestled into a hillside, surrounded by an overgrowth of ferns. It was there, amidst the tranquility of nature, I found a sense of peace and clarity. It was this authentic connection with the natural world that inspired the name Hillside Ferns for my death doula practice—a business that reflects my belief in honoring life's transitions in a way that is deeply rooted and meaningful.
At the core of my mission as a death doula is the passionate desire to empower individuals to shape their own final chapters—to transform their deaths into reflections of their lives, filled with dignity, peace, and profound meaning. Through Hillside Ferns, I aim to educate and support others on the importance of a conscious death, where every moment is cherished and utilized to create lasting memories and legacies.
Breaking down the stigma surrounding death is another essential goal of mine. I firmly believe that dying is a natural part of the human experience—a journey that deserves acceptance, understanding, and communal support. In much the same way that birth doulas have revived a sense of communal care around childbirth, I am committed to fostering a community where individuals and families come together to navigate the end-of-life journey with grace and compassion.
I advocate for early preparation and planning, encouraging individuals to engage with end-of-life considerations well in advance. This proactive approach allows for transformative self-discovery, enabling the creation of legacy projects and the achievement of personal milestones in life's twilight. Such preparation ensures that each person's transition is imbued with intention and purpose.
Central to my vision are sanctuary spaces—places of comfort and solace where the dying and their loved ones can find peace amidst life's most poignant moments. These sanctuaries serve as havens, nurturing environments where individuals can share their stories, find closure, and embrace life's final chapter with grace and acceptance.
In essence, my journey from fear to empowerment has ignited a profound mission: to guide and support others in navigating the complexities of death with compassion, understanding, and reverence. Through Hillside Ferns, I strive to foster a cultural shift where death is seen not as an end, but as a natural continuation of life—a journey to be honored, celebrated, and embraced.
I am deeply honored to share this journey with you and invite you to explore the resources and support that Hillside Ferns offers. Together, let's embrace life's final chapters with compassion and dignity.
With love and gratitude,
