We live in beautiful Deming, WA, nestled in the trees where I find peace in nature with my dog and husband. In my free time I hike and backpack, dance, challenge myself to endurance runs or climbs, cook new recipes (mostly Meat-lite), read and forage for mushrooms. My pronouns are she/her.
I seek to honor and support all walks of faith, religions, or lack of religious beliefs. Teach me your cultural practices, and I’ll embrace them as my own. I love and support all humans, no matter how you identify, who you love, what you do for a living or how much money you make.
Offerings are available primarily in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. Other areas may be requested, are dependent upon availability, and may include a travel fee.
In addition to a BA degree in Education, my certifications include:
+
Current Food Handlers permit
Foundation Level I Certificate-Chronic Disorganization
Former Nursing Assistant Registered, spending many years as a professional caregiver
Instagram:
I offer a FREE 30 min initial consultation for doula services!
To schedule, email or call/text me at: beck@lifesfleetingnature.com or 206-351-2766
Hi, my name is Beck!
I’ve been working in social work for over 20 years, most recently in geriatrics as a Care Manager at a retirement community. It was there I found the lack of services in end-of-life work often being frustrated with the limited touch points I was able to devote to the residents at one of their darkest times.
I’ve been on a two year journey that started as a conversation with a colleague that led to her recommending “From Here to Eternity” by Caitlin Doughty. I devoured it, and soon booked a plane ticket to Crestone, CO to see the only funeral pyre in the US (weird way to celebrate your 45th birthday, right?) About a week after I got home, I heard the term death doula for the first time. I booked a certification course without much hesitation.
Having grown up with a minister for a dad, I attended many funerals even as a young child. It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have a picture of my first encounter with death where I am a little more than 1 year old visiting my Grandpa’s grave with my mom holding me on her lap, and my two older sisters on either side of her.
Life got twisty and eventually I did finish the doula course. About a year ago I gave my soft notice at my job shortly after my mom received a terminal diagnosis- her 3rd bout with cancer over the course of 13 years. This time she was older, and with limited options, she decided to go on hospice. I am fortunate to have 2 older sisters, but they relied on me to guide.
Even being a “professional” I felt as if I was drowning in all the things. Overnight we became caregivers, negotiators, medication experts, estate planners, schedulers, accountants, educators, detectives, advocates, listeners, comforters, meal planners, and all of the decisions in between.
My dad who now has a dementia diagnosis and younger sister who has an intellectual disability-and lived with my parents- both needed tremendous support during and after mom died. Mom died. Those words still somehow don’t seem real.
Backing up to 2018, I had my own near death experience choking on a scallop and having a blocked airway for better than 8 minutes. My husband and friends saved me. More on this in a future blog.
I’m comforting myself this week by making my grandma’s version of fruit cake that has orange slice candies, dates and coconut in it. Mom would make Orange Cake once a year on Christmas. I decided I can make it any time.
I would be honored to chat with you and see if we’re a great match! I work with ANY age (18+) providing any stage you find yourself or your loved one in~ planning, doula-ing, and supports for after death.
I find joy in spending this sacred time with others, being your guide to ease some of the load and truly rest in peace.