Sheila Burke - Sheila Burke, Death Doula

4 Things Everyone Should Learn About Dying

It is sad to know people are diagnosed with a terminal illness every day, and most don’t understand what will happen to their mind and body as they die. Just as bad is that most of their loved ones or caregivers also have no idea what to expect. We need to do better in getting…… Continue reading 4 Things Everyone Should Learn About Dying

The One Where I Was First Called “Widow”

Suddenly, one of these things is not like the other—and it was ME! The whole dynamic changes.

Coping with Loss Over the Holidays

Don’t be afraid to express your grief.It will make you feel better to talk about your loved one and your loss. Spend time with people who will listen and who understand how you feel. Sometimes people might feel inhibited to speak of your loved one out of fear that it might sadden you. Start the…… Continue reading Coping with Loss Over the Holidays

The One About The Year of Firsts After a Loved One’s Death

I became a widow last fall at the age of 55. I’m figuring out how to navigate the road before me. The road of aloneness, without my other half. It’s been a little over a year since Shane died. He was 56 years old.The silence in my house is deafening. I am still unable to…… Continue reading The One About The Year of Firsts After a Loved One’s Death

Why You Need a Death Doula

While much of the world has an intimate approach concerning care during severe illness and dying, Western cultures are nearly the opposite. You see, for the last century, we have segregated our old, our ill, and our dying. Other than seeing our friends or family in a casket at a funeral home, that’s about as…… Continue reading Why You Need a Death Doula

7 Important Ways to Help Someone Who is Grieving

1: Some Don’ts: Don’t tell them how to feel. Don’t tell them you know how they feel. Also, everyone’s grief is different. When you are grieving it’s common for people to want to offer up their own stories of grieving to you. I think people that it somehow shows they support you and they understand…… Continue reading 7 Important Ways to Help Someone Who is Grieving

An Open Letter To Those Helping Me Grieve

“If you simply cannot understand why someone is grieving so much, for so long, then consider yourself fortunate.” DR. JOANNE CACCIATORE Grief isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of thing. We all experience it differently. And we all experience it differently at different times. The way we experience grief is kind of like skydiving. Only the person…… Continue reading An Open Letter To Those Helping Me Grieve

The One About the First Anniversary: Today Is One Year Since He Died

So, this morning I woke up to the sound of my phone notifying me of a text message. I’ve never, ever, slept with my phone until Shane died. (He died one year ago today.)It’s crazy how fast this past year has gone, yet so slowly. I glanced at the phone. It was his best friend.…… Continue reading The One About the First Anniversary: Today Is One Year Since He Died

How to Create Your Own Sacred Space

Creating a special, sacred space for yourself will help you to expand your sense of wonder and appreciation for life.Your sacred space is a place where you can push pause and do a little reflection or it can be a place where you can take a few breaths in peace and quiet while going about…… Continue reading How to Create Your Own Sacred Space

Things to Consider When First Diagnosed with a Terminal Illness

You’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness. I am very sorry. There is no right or wrong way to handle this experience. Time seems to stand still when you first hear the diagnosis. Everyone handles it differently. Some people push it away, some cry, some are angry; some are silent, some get scared, and some…… Continue reading Things to Consider When First Diagnosed with a Terminal Illness