“We’re all just walking each other home.” Ram Dass

ida’s spirit, LLC was developed to honor the memory of my Grandma Ida.  She did not earn the suffering she endured during her dying journey.  In bearing witness to her experiences with compassion and companionship, after she crossed the veil on her 93rd birthday in 2021 I was left wondering how I could have supported her differently.  I replayed her moments of fear and nearing death experiences that I wanted to do over to champion others to show up in ways that she needed intentional presence and comfort that would have supported her in dying well.  Her dying fanned an ember within me to serve others during their sacred season.  For two years, I messed around with clay, put my hands in dirt to “grief garden” and fertilized an emerging vision that led me to explore End-of-Life Doula work.    

As a NEDA Proficient End-of-Life Doula, I am a non-medical advisor turning toward clients and their loved ones in their time of need to advocate for improved quality of life experiences for those who are dying.  I lean in to bring comfort and care to another by stepping in where Hospice and hospital services end.  I am intentionally minding the gap to provide physical, emotional and spiritual support and accompaniment at end-of-life.  No one should die alone.  I bring with me my full non-judgmental doula heart to bear witness to suffering with compassion, unconditional positive regard, and intentional presence as I serve as container through active listening and companioning to catch the stories of those who are dying.  When there are no stories to tell, when there are no words to share, I am a calming presence and a gentle hand to hold.   

Crystal Bennett, End-of-Life Doula