Patient Presence
Providing compassionate guidance through life changes, loss and death.
Is It the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?
To those of us who have experienced the loss of loved ones, precious pets, jobs, relationships, been given a serious diagnosis or who have been shunned because the unique light we’ve been told to let shine embarrasses, confuses or angers others, it doesn’t feel wonderful.
The word bereaved means to be deprived of or to carry or tear away. Grief can feel heavy, like part of you is missing. Our lives and our expected trajectories are forever changed. The Holidays, even the anticipation of the Holidays, can activate sad, lonely feelings.
So, what can we do?
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Allow yourself the freedom to feel what you are feeling. Grief continues to be our companion whether we acknowledge it or not.
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Remember the pain you feel is proportional to the love you have. Remember everything, not just the hard parts.
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Participate as much or as little as you like in Holiday activities. Some people find comfort in the traditions; some do not. Set boundaries like agreeing to only stay at a get together for a certain amount of time.
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Be honest with family and friends. Ask for the space and time you need.
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Remember your loved ones by doing a good deed in their honor.
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Reach out to friends and family you trust to just sit and listen. Tell your story.
Whatever you do, remember that everyone grieves in their own way. No one is doing it wrong. Do what is best for you at this moment.
If you need additional support, please book an appointment.
Testimonials
"Carol is a loving, calm, and uplifting presence for those struggling with, or enduring a grief process. She is able to customize care and support based on her clients needs. I found her to be respectful, engaging, kind and even funny at times. Her knowledge and experience came through with a warmth that comforted me during such a difficult time in my life. She opened my eyes to not just the process of having recently lost someone very close to me, but to the impact of many types of grief one can experience in their lifetime. She supported me, and provided perspective and tools to open new ways of thinking and feeling about loss and life. I highly recommend her services in any capacity involving grief, death or end of life planning."
Wendy Clickner Prescott
About our logo
I am a grief educator and a non-medical professional who assists a dying person and their loved ones before, during and after death. The double P (Patient Presence) at the center of my logo stands for my commitment to providing solid and reliable service to my clients. The Möbius strip intertwined with the Ps represents the continuity and connectedness of energy throughout life and death. It is a symbol of unity and non-duality. The design shows that the two sides, the inside and outside, are joined together and become one side, connected in an endless ribbon. It has been used as a symbol of infinity.
Special thanks to Jennifer Geldard, who designed my logo. Jennifer Scott Geldard - Artist (jennifergeldard.com)
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The amount of grief we feel is equal to the amount of love we feel. Grief can be experienced from the loss of loved ones and pets; relationship separations and divorce; a serious diagnosis; neglect and abuse; the loss of identity; and trauma. You can feel safe with me.
02.
An End-of-Life (EOL) Doula is a non-medical professional who provides physical, emotional, and spiritual support to patients and families. This holistic support for the dying and their loved ones occurs before, during and after death.
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As a Care Consultant, I will guide you through all aspects of Advance Care Planning and the development of a Living Well End of Life Plan. I will provide subjective information so you can make informed decisions.
Upcoming Events
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Monthly Book Club, First Monday of the Month, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
02DEC24 (Part 2), 06JAN25, 03FEB25 - Let's Talk About Aging Parents, by Laura Tamblyn Watts
03MAR25 - How to Fix a Broken Heart, by Guy Winch
07APR24, 05MAY25, 02JUN25 - Finding Meaning, by David Kessler
07JUL25, 04AUG25 - Welcoming the Unwelcome, by Pema Chodron
Purchase your book on Amazon or at your local bookstore and email carol@patientpresence.com with questions.
Join ZOOM: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83578341832?pwd=jWrbebR1iHjkLklq1b7jzuPMrVWsAy.1
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Monthly Death Cafe, Second Monday of the Month, 7:00 - 8:30 pm starting in January 2025
Welcome to Death Cafe! A Death Cafe is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or course of action, no set conclusions and no judgment. Death Cafes provide a safe environment to gather, eat/drink tea and enjoy open-minded conversations about dying and death. It is an opportunity to share, explore and question our own perceptions of death. It's not a bereavement group - just an open conversation about a topic that we often find taboo. You are welcome to share as much or as little as you like.
Email carol@patientpresence.com with questions.
Join ZOOM: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82423274099?pwd=sMG6IwwUYLTbAJAvqaD933qEwfrrdF.1
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Weekly Grief Group, Tuesdays at 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Struggling with grief? You are not alone. Grief is the internal pain we feel from a loss. We all experience grief in a unique way and we all need our grief to be witnessed to heal.
Our Grief Group is a welcoming, non-judgmental, safe space to share your story, support others and learn some coping strategies to live in your new reality.
Questions? Email carol@patientpresence.com
Join ZOOM: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86722636571?pwd=BfcNo1QhoToaLCbaMkU0c4LbhKlnqj.1
