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“I had spent the better part of late summer and early fall discussing dignified and spiritual death with mum. She was suffering terribly from bouts of COPD and the terrifying reality that her death was near, likely by suffocation. During a trip home early in November, she said she was ready, was at peace and needed permission from me to go. She had it from my brothers, the church minister and her friends. That discussion was not without fear and sadness, for the both of us. A dear friend and doula at home contacted Christiane Zeithammel; a very respected death doula in Ottawa. I invited her to coffee to see if our family and she might coalesce around the support we needed for this moment. Within seconds of sitting with Christiane, I felt her calm, wise and confident presence. There was no question that she should meet mum so, we went upstairs to her suite promptly. They had, what I imagine was, a profound discussion about death; at intellectual, spiritual and emotional levels. Mum was a smart cookie. Mum asked Christiane what she was reading….a litmus test for character throughout mum’s life. Christiane passed the test! They spoke over the next few days. Christiane sacrificed her personal time away from her final dissertation to work with us as a family. Mum’s condition declined quite rapidly; not surprising that she ‘willed’ this to happen. Normally, Christiane would have more time to prepare and support the family. Here we were asking her to bring us solace and clarity at 0-60mph. I know for certain that mum felt supported by Christiane’s wisdom in her final few days. My brothers and I were comforted by her explanations of what was evolving; with such grace that I felt uplifted and honoured to be present with her; for mum. I can easily say that I would not have managed this profound time so clearly without Christiane’s guidance. Her support gave me the ‘space’ to do nothing but ‘be’ there for mum (as Christine so aptly described it). To ‘be’ for a moment that changes life. To let go of all the roles and care-giving in order to watch one of the most beautiful and touching few days unfold. Mum gave me this gift. Christiane gave me this gift. May 8th is 6 months to the day since mum’s passing into the heavens. I did not choose this day to write this testimonial; exactly 6 months. It chose me.”  – Jennifer

“Joey was my dad’s death doula, and she provided him with a safe space to talk about everything he was experiencing. Joey also met with me to check in about how I was doing and offered some space for me to express how hard everything was for me too.  Having someone I could rely upon and trust to spend time with and care for my dad, who also had a background in nursing and psychology, was really meaningful and valuable to me.” – V and M.

“I left the session today feeling so much more inspired than you can imagine! Thank you in so many ways, I am feeling so EMPOWERED in all caps! So much gratitude to you and to this work you do and the way you approach it is absolutely the best way imaginable! That’s the most important.” – Becky

Working with Lisa changed my whole perspective on death and dying. I was supporting my friend through a terminal illness and contacted the Ottawa Death Doula’s to help navigate the very difficult decisions and discussions to have around end of life. We all know how we don’t want to die (e.g. in an emergency room hallway) but there isn’t as much dialogue around how to have a peaceful and beautiful death. I learned how to discuss dying at home, moving to hospice, supporting other family members, and where to lay ashes to rest. It was particularly meaningful to talk through what someone wants to hear, see, feel, smell during their last breathes.

Being able to honour my friends last wishes truly brought us peace and helped our grieving process.

Katie

I, Amy Beth Allan, write this reference in extreme support of Christiane Zeithammel, I was diagnosed with Coranary artirey callifacation dissease 2 and a half years ago. My Cardiologist gave me under 5 years survival rate. A friend suggested I hire a private nurse or Doula as I was very frightened and had no idea of how to deal with this. I have 2 Children on the autism spectrum another Daughter who struggles to communicate sad feelings and a Husband also many friends. It was important to me to support my family and friends and not leave people tramatized. I come from a family of origin of abuse and trauma . No extended family due to this. So it was extremely important to me that everyone be ok to continue on and also that I pass with as much peace as possible. I interviewed many people from different organizations in the city of Ottawa. I was bewildered as to the controlling and misunderstanding there was about peaceful dying with dignity. I gave up. Then I found Christiane. From our first day together before she even spoke her beautiful peaceful energy radiated from her. My husband who can be very judgemental in times of stress adored her . Christiane is allways on time. She is extremely trustworthy and kind. I once paid her to much she immediately gave it back and I wanted her to keep it. She refused. I believe Christiane does the work she does because it is her calling and she really cares. Because of her my fear has lessened. I feel equipped to deal with my illness . I make jokes again and I have learned so very much.

Christiane is a wonderful educator. She totally empowers people. I would highly recommend Christiane to work with the vulnerable sector . Men Women Seniors Children or families of any sort. Christiane meets people exzactly where they are and surrounds them with love and saftey. She doesn’t waste a minute and teaches how to enjoy life again. I smile when ever I think of her. In closing I encourage anyone looking for support to look no further than Christiane. You won’t be disappointed. Absolutely life changing.

Sincerely,
Amy Beth Allan