There is a moment when we realize that we are about to become a companion of someone who is facing death. Maybe we come to this experience as part of our professional or volunteer commitment. More commonly its arrives when a friend or family member shares the news of a terminal diagnosis. Or, the realization may arise still earlier when we see an elderly parent or partner stumble on a curb or over their words. Perhaps it is a conscious choice. Maybe we feel we have no choice.

It’s important in the beginning to understand that we already know how to do this. It’s in our bones. We have extended a helping hand hundreds of times in a thousand meaningful and loving ways. Caring is a natural expression of who we are… of our humanity.