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In this conversation, Rusty Rosman shares her experiences with caregiving and the importance of pre-planning for death through her book, 'Two Envelopes.' She discusses families' emotional challenges during end-of-life decisions and emphasizes the need for clear communication and documentation of final wishes. Rusty introduces the concept of two envelopes: one for immediate actions after death and another for post-funeral instructions, highlighting the significance of leaving a legacy and ensuring loved ones are prepared. We share insights on navigating grief, family dynamics, and the importance of preparation for end-of-life decisions. She discusses the challenges families face when dealing with loss, the fears surrounding death, and how to find purpose in later life. Rusty emphasizes the significance of communication and planning to avoid conflicts over generational wealth and possessions.

Rusty Rosman is the author of the book “Two Envelopes.” She spent years helping her parents and her in-laws as they aged. Over the years, Rusty saw many friends and their families conflicted over final arrangements and family confrontations. After making sure her parents updated their estate planning, Rusty encouraged them to write out their final wishes for their funerals and mourning period and then what they wanted done with their belongings that weren’t covered in their legal documents.

Rusty is one of four children. Having her parents put their wishes in writing made the heartbreaking experience of a parent’s death much easier for all four of them to navigate. From that experience, her book, “Two Envelopes,” was born.

Two Envelopes Book
Rusty's Info Page

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And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at endoflifeconvo@gmail.com.

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In this conversation, Marci Donaldson shares her journey from a small town in Wyoming to becoming a passionate advocate for end-of-life care. She discusses her early experiences with death, the impact of her mother's strength, and how these experiences shaped her career in hospice and nursing. Marci highlights the gaps in care for those at the end of life and her efforts to innovate solutions, including the establishment of Hopeful House and her new service for families seeking medical aid in dying. We talk about the importance of community support and the need for compassionate care during the dying process.

In our conversation, Marci shares her experiences and insights on navigating grief, the importance of community support, and the challenges faced in end-of-life care. She reflects on her journey through loss, the significance of music and rituals in processing grief, and her hopes for integrating psilocybin therapy into hospice care. The discussion underscores the significance of compassion, understanding, and innovative approaches in supporting individuals nearing the end of life.

Marci grew up in a town of 200 people in rural Wy as the youngest of six children and was raised by a single mother. She is a world traveler, a wife, and a mother to a 14-year-old son, currently residing in Gresham, OR. She discovered her passion for end-of-life care as a hospice volunteer and returned to college at the age of 32 to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University. Marci has focused her career in the non-profit sector, serving for 25 years as a nurse, educator, end-of-life doula, mentee and mentor, board member, administrator, and program innovator.

Her career has been inspired by significant gaps in care that exist at the end of life, particularly around addressing existential suffering, the need for presence, and the lack of in-home support. She is writing her first book to address the gaps in education, preparation, and support for hospice workers new to the field of hospice care. Marci owns and operates End of Life Advocacy & Care LLC, a liaison referral and support service that assists individuals out of state in pursuing Medical Aid in Dying in Oregon.

Hopewell House - Portland, OR
Omega Home Network
EndofLifeAdvocacyAndCare.Org
Compassionate Communities Model of Care (PDF)
Email: MarciDonaldson@EndOfLifeAdvocacyAndCare.Org
Marci Digital Card: https://blinq.me/NNCT1tu5O38W
Psilocybin Facilitators in Oregon

Support the show

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and BlueSky. You are also invited to subscribe to support us financially. Anyone who supports us at any level will have access to Premium content, special online meet-ups, and one on one time with Annalouiza or Wakil.

And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at endoflifeconvo@gmail.com.

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In this episode, Karen Carlissi discusses her work as a death doula and the collaborative event she is hosting with Phoenix Destiny, focusing on supporting individuals who have experienced child loss.

We explore the concept of disenfranchised grief, the format of their workshops, and the importance of ongoing support for participants. Karen shares insights into the emotional landscape of child loss and the rituals that can help in the healing process, culminating in a poignant poem that encapsulates the essence of remembrance and love.

Workshop Flyer and Registration Link
Death Doula Panel Episode
Karen's Episode
Phoenix Episode

Support the show

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and BlueSky. You are also invited to subscribe to support us financially. Anyone who supports us at any level will have access to Premium content, special online meet-ups, and one on one time with Annalouiza or Wakil.

And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at endoflifeconvo@gmail.com.