End of Life Care- A Path of Connections

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In this episode, Michelle Kolling, candidly shares her story about losing her husband, months after his diagnosis and her grief journey in search of the person she would become. With wit, humor, and grace she  found her calling as an end-of-life doula.

Her firsthand, intimate connection to loss, grief and transformation gave her clarity in that she could help patients and their loved ones, make their way in an end-of-life process that is humane, compassionate, and meaningful. “Approaching the last days with intention, gives the dying person a sense of control and creates a sacred space for loved ones to enter the dying experience.”

Michelle Kolling trained with the INELDA (International End of Life Doula Association,)  and earned a Proficiency Badge from NEDA (National End of Life Doula Alliance.) She is also a member of the Minnesota Death Collaborative and Institute of Birth, Breath, and Death.  Her website is: heldoula.com.

QUOTES

MICHELLE:  “After kind of that initial shock wears off, what is really important starts to become very clear now. All the stuff that isn't that important, it's like, why was I spending time on that? So ... you're all of a sudden shifting too into a different way of being. “

MICHELLE:  “But yeah, making sure that that whole person is being seen and that that whole person is being taken care of in a way that is in alignment with their values.”

MICHELLE:  “I just think, grief is a sacred, sacred time because you are broken open. You do have an opportunity to come to a different place or build your life in a different way to be, be more real, be more authentic, see what's left. It just feels like you're never gonna be put back together again. And maybe that's okay. “

LINKS

Held Doula  

(INELDA)  International End of Life Doula Association

(NEDA) National End-of-Life Doula Alliance  

University of Vermont Professional & Continuing Education End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate

Doulagivers

Sacred Passage: End-of-Life Doula Certification Program   

Hole in the World: Finding Hope in Rituals of Grief and Healing by Amanda Held Opelt

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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