Dying doesn’t always go to plan: it can be messy, and sometimes a laugh will unexpectedly burst out from loved ones. That’s normal. In fact, it’s wonderful because it’s real. I’ve witnessed tears, laughter, cheers, bountiful stories and human touch.
For one deceased man whose family flew from overseas, there were five women to wash his body, including myself. His daughter commented that “Dad would have loved this” and laughter broke out. It was real, genuine, and the laughter only brought us closer in our honouring.
Over the years I have seen clunky ways of handling sensitive rites of passages, of which death is one. By resisting or questioning our reality, our perceived biases, our fears, we may come closer to potential healing. And yes, this sometimes takes courage.
From newborn babies to century-old elders. Each person is now imprinted on my heart, each person has taught me precious lessons.
What I’ve learned in 12 years as a Buddhist death doula
Source: Philippines Alive
