Hi, I'm Petra
I'm here to help you plan your end-of-life, to organize your thoughts and values, to think about how you would like to live your final days and put your body to rest.
I'm here to get your affairs in order, so you have peace of mind and your loved ones know your wishes.
I'm a planner, organizer, orchestrator.
In my previous work life, I managed people, projects, programs, and events. From large to small, from restaurants and catering to large company teams. I'm good at it, but something was always missing. My heart was not in it. Due to chance, I had some time off work. Time to reflect on meaning and purpose. I wanted to apply my skills and experience to something with more meaning, something that would help people in my community in Central Washington.
This is when I came across a podcast with Death Doula Alua Arthur, an end-of-life planner that had written a book about her experience. I had never heard of this profession before. My interest was piqued. I started reading about death and final wishes, about advanced planning and funeral options, about a good death, palliative care and human composting. I was like a sponge absorbing all this information that I had known little about before. In talking to friends and family, cashiers at the grocery store and bank tellers, I realized most knew very little and very few had anything prepared or documented in case of, BUT every single person was eager to talk about it and learn more.
I searched for end-of-life planning professionals in Central Washington and could not find a single one! An idea slowly began to form in my head. What if this was my calling? What if I could fill the gap in my community and apply my skills and experience to provide education and planning for this important part of our lives? My mind was racing. Excitement. Fear. Self-doubt. Soul searching.
How to get started? I decided to volunteer to gain experience with individuals at the end of their lives. I became a hospice volunteer at Confluence Health and a Volunteer Client Advisor with End-of-Life Washington. I found it very rewarding and just by being there and assisting, I learnt so much from the terminally ill and their loved ones.
It was time to make a decision. So I did it.
I completed End-of-Life Planning training with Going with Grace, passed the National End-of-Life Doula Association proficiency exam, and earned a National Certificate of Palliative Care from the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. I read books and attended webinars, listened to podcasts and connected with end-of-life related businesses and services for networking and exchange.
After months of learning, I felt ready to start my business, to share my knowledge and help you and your loved ones. No doubt it will be a lifelong learning, but it's time to get the word out into the community and serve others.
So here I am. Ready to support you.