Words from the Heart

“My family recently lost a loved one and one of the biggest issues leading up to and directly after the loss was information. The doctors and nurses were fantastic but it was very clear that they needed to move on to the next patient and did not have the time to sit with us and answer our questions as detailed as we would like nor provide us with information that we didn't even think to ask for. My sister, who was at her mother's bedside in the final moments, was not aware of what signs of passing/last moments were, and, as such, kept calling for the nurses anytime she noticed a change in breathing, etc. When my son was born, I had a doula who guided me through the last trimester of pregnancy, labour, delivery, and postpartum (which was super helpful as a first time mom). When my sister told me of her struggles in the last days/moments of her mother's life, I could not help but comment on how useful a doula for death would be: someone to guide and inform in the final moments of life and the immediate aftermath of the loss. 

Jamila at Tender Presence/Présence Tendre is just such a person. With her many years in health care as a nurse and her great empathy, she has trained to be a solace for families in transition due to the imminent and/or recent loss of friends/family. She is a knowledgeable guide in what to look for in the last moments and a shoulder to cry on when the loss has occurred. She is an understanding and listening ear when you need to talk or a comforting presence when you just need someone to sit and share your grief. She is an advocate with the doctors when you feel overwhelmed and can help explain medical situations in a more understated/layperson way.  In her years as a nurse, she saw the need for end of life care for family/friends (such as my sister) and took affirmative action to do something about it. I highly recommend anyone who is facing loss of life (themselves/family/friends) to reach out to Jamila at Tender Presence/Présence Tendre. You won't regret it.”