Death Midwifery

This weekend I will be attending a workshop on conducting home funerals featuring Jerrigrace Lyons, owner of Final Passages, one of the pioneers in the field.  I don't particularly like the term Death Midwife; I don't think it is accurate.  Death Midwives don't help anyone die, they help the family cope with death, indeed, and support them while they process the loss through ceremony, community and magical thinking.  When I started my business, it was not to assist the dead and dying, but to assist the living who must continue at a loss.  Each circumstance is so unique and individual, and grief is such a distinct emotion that can incapacitate even the strongest of souls.  Perhaps I will be assisting the dead, by being there for those they can no longer care for, be brave for, and protect.  It should be an interesting weekend.