Death is an integral part of the circle of life, yet our culture rarely addresses it in this context. Instead, we often view it as a dark, somber event. It's time to flip the script and celebrate those we love authentically—before they are gone. Sharing love, words of affirmation, and precious memories shouldn't be reserved for after someone has passed away. It should happen while they are still alive and able to receive these blessings. Whether facing a terminal diagnosis or nearing the end of life, planning a living funeral or living wake can be a profound and meaningful way to honor a life.

Community death care is the foundation for the work of death doulas, yet if the community is not aware of the role of a death doula, it can be challenging to secure employment. As a San Diego death doula I am concerned that there will be a bottleneck of certified death doulas who leave the profession due to the difficulty of establishing themselves within the mainstream funeral industry.