End-of-life work holds a sacred place in my heart. There has always been a deep knowing that no one should ever be—or feel—alone when nearing the end of life. The thought of someone taking their final breath without a hand to hold or a comforting presence beside them moves me on a soul level. That belief is what first drew me to become an end-of-life doula, a calling that feels less like a career choice and more like a purpose meant to be lived.
For many years, my work took place in medical and care settings, from offices to hospitals, where countless transitions unfolded. Within those spaces existed both beauty and heartbreak—patients surrounded by family and love, and others who faded quietly, alone. Those experiences revealed that presence is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer. Presence itself can be healing. It doesn’t require perfect words or elaborate gestures; sometimes it’s simply about being there, sitting quietly, offering a gentle touch, or creating calm when the room feels heavy.
Growing up, death was not something discussed in my family. Grief wasn’t explained or processed; it was pushed aside, swept quietly under the rug, and life carried on as if nothing had happened. When family members or family friends passed, their absence felt too painful to name, so it simply wasn’t. Even when beloved pets died, there was no real space for mourning—only the unspoken message to move on. Without being taught how to handle loss or comfort others through it, a quiet confusion and sadness around death took root, with no clear way to express it.
Now, as an adult and future end-of-life doula, the importance of breaking that silence is clear. Death isn’t something to hide from; it’s something we can meet with love and understanding. The desire is to become what was once missing—someone who helps others face loss with openness, honesty, and gentleness. People and families deserve to know it’s okay to talk about death and grief. It’s okay to cry, to share memories, to sit in silence, or even to laugh through tears. Every emotion has a place in healing.
As a doula, the intention is to bring peace to both the dying and their families. When someone is approaching the end of life, those around them often carry just as much fear and uncertainty. Families may not know what to say or how to express what they’re feeling. Grief begins long before a final breath. This role is about holding space, listening deeply, allowing emotion, and reminding others that what they’re experiencing is natural and valid. It’s not about fixing pain; rather, walking alongside it.
As a society, we’ve grown distant from death. It’s often treated as something to avoid or fear, rather than as part of life’s natural rhythm. Yet when conversations around death become more open, the experience itself can transform. Death doesn’t have to be frightening or lonely; it can be peaceful, meaningful, and even sacred. By embracing it, we learn more about living fully—about love, forgiveness, and the importance of presence.
Being an end-of-life doula means meeting people exactly where they are—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s about guiding them through one of life’s most vulnerable transitions with compassion, dignity, and respect. Whether that means creating space for final conversations, helping families process emotions, or simply holding a hand in silence, this work is a sacred act of service.
At its core, this path is about love and connection. It’s about ensuring that every person feels seen, supported, and honored in their final moments. No one should have to take that journey alone. If peace can be offered in someone’s final hours, comfort brought to their family, and fear softened into calm, then it’s clear this is exactly where I’m meant to be.
Miranda’s journey reflects the heart of Southwest Institute of Healing Arts—education rooted in compassion, presence, and service. Through SWIHA’s End-of-Life Doula program, students are supported in transforming lived experience into meaningful work that honors life’s most sacred transitions. Learn more about SWIHA’s holistic programs and how you can answer your own calling to serve with purpose, dignity, and care.