I am in awe of death.

I have had a healthy, curious relationship with dying since my memory of a spiritual experience as a toddler. There is not a day that has gone by that I can remember NOT thinking about death and how it informs my life. I mean that declaration with the most non-morbid sincerity. I read obituaries in the newspaper every morning – a daily dose of gratitude when you do not see your name published – and enjoy learning about people and their lives while I eat breakfast. I wrote my grandma and aunt’s obituaries. I have written and/or delivered eulogies for family members, and I anticipate more requests in the future. I wrote my obituary many years ago within 20 minutes; I did not shed a tear.

Memento Mori is a lifelong mantra (the flip side is Memento Vivere). I decided this week to earn a death doula certificate next year, not as a career change but rather as an additional competency. I know I will find value and purpose in this role of service, especially to cultivate a skill that will carry me forward in my quest to live to be 150-years old. I think I will be emotionally and mentally comforting to persons and their families while supporting humane, compassionate deaths. Good, gentle deaths. I plan to register in a program, once I perceive what our world looks like with COVID-19 and its variants. Memento Mori!