An Example of Caring for a Death Journeyer at Home Bill (not his real name) was in hospital when he was identified as being in the final stage of life.   He expressed a strong wish to return home to die, and I was called to support the family as their end-of-life doula. I met Bill just as the ambulance brought him home.   He was overjoyed to be back in the house and garden he had built with his own hands.   Beaming with pride, he showed me his many beautiful artworks and sculptures, around the home.

Bill was surrounded by family, including his grandchildren.   They played music he had written and sand his songs.   They shared memories, and laughter and tears.

Bill had made his wishes clear: he wanted a DIY funeral.   He jokingly told me he was a "tight arse" and didn't want his family to be burdened with the high costs of a funeral home.

When Bill died, his entire family was with him.   Just before he took his last breath, they all experienced what they described as a deeply spiritual moment.   They later told me it was the most beautiful thing they had ever seen, and they felt immense gratitude for it.

Together, the family washed and dressed Bill with great care.   His sons built a coffin in the shed.   They happened to have a large walk-in chiller on the property-usually used for fruit and vegetables-which was empty and became the perfect space to keep Bill at home for as long as was needed. There were so many serendipitous moments along the way.

Bill was eventually taken to the crematorium on the back of a truck, and a wonderful funeral was held at the house, with neighbours and friends coming together to honour and remember him.

His ashes were placed in a clay pot he had made years ago-returning home in a vessel shaped by his own hands.

It was an absolute privilege to be part of Bill's journey.   Witnessing such love, resourcefulness, and connection was a powerful reminder of the beauty and meaning that can be found in dying well, at home.

The only challenge presented was explaining to the GP that they were not going to use a funeral director and how the paperwork for this, then needed to occur.   Luckily, I was able to give them the direction required and educated the GP in the process.