Because everyone deserves
a good death and a thoughtful legacy.
Supporting your voice
at end-of-life
The philosopher Lao Tzu wisely reminded us to:
”Take care with the end, as you do with the beginning.”
And we believe that every person has the right to decide what that end looks like for them and to be supported in attaining it, as best possible.
The best last gift any of us can receive is the ability to plan and realize our own version of a good death, and the best last gift any of us can offer is the creation of a tangible legacy for those we leave behind.
Best Last Gift was founded by a trained end-of-life doula, to walk alongside those individuals and families facing end-of-life and serious illness, advocating for their choices and companioning them through the final moments of life and earliest stages of grief.
But what is:
An End-of-Life Doula
A doula is someone who serves. An end-of-life doula, or “death doula,” serves as a lighthouse in a time that can often feel dark, scary, and unfamiliar.
We may hold your hand or hold your dog’s leash. We may take notes or communicate wishes. We may record memories or organize rituals…
Always, we hold a safe compassionate space. Always, we hear your voice and we help protect your choice.
A Good Death
There is no such thing as one good death. Each person has their own unique vision of how they would write their own end.
Some people want flowers and soft lighting. Some people would like to share stories or song. Some people want to be alone in the last moment.
Most people want time with loved ones. Most people want honest, open communication. Most people would like to die at home.
Everyone would like to find peace and comfort. Everyone wants to be treated with dignity and respect.
A Thoughtful Legacy
We all want to make a mark and create something that will live on after we leave this world. The opportunity to do that with intention is the idea of a thoughtful legacy.
From sending letters to writing memoirs, from organizing fundraisers to recording video journals, from potting plants to creating memory boxes, legacy projects can be small and intimate or large and collaborative…
In what way will you continue to share what you have loved with the people you love after you have gone?
“Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.”
— Haruki Murakami
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
bestlastgift@gmail.com
Phone
(540) 929-1678