Serving St Albert & surrounding communities in Alberta, Canada
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Our Why
Courageous Goodbyes' mission
Empower you, whom we serve, to courageously live and enjoy days filled with life according to your values, interests, abilities and goals.
COURAGEOUS GOODBYES' VISION
Be your trusted companion who supports, advocates and educates both you and your family during times of change or crisis related to the dying process, death and grief.
Responding To The Call
Beverley Shiels is the founder and CEO of Courageous Goodbyes® proudly serving the City of St. Albert and surrounding communities in Alberta, Canada as a Registered End-of-Life Doula (REOLD) with the End of Life Doula Association of Canada.
BEVERLEY SHARES:
I'm frequently asked what made me want to go into this field. There is no one reason. I guess it's been a natural transition since childhood when friends turned to me for support during difficult times. It continued into my professional life and volunteer work, when people gravitated to me during their times of change or crisis for reassurance and support. It's an honor when they share their life stories with me as I attentively listen with a non-judgmental ear while they unburden their souls.
I definitely felt called to what is now called an End-of-Life or Death Doula but for years I didn't have a name to put to it. That changed at a conference when I had to pair up with another attendee to share something unfulfilled. They told me it sounded like I wanted to be an End-of-Life Doula. That title finally put all my thoughts and feelings into something tangible that made perfect sense to me! My research confirmed this was the professional title of what I was being called to do! I was amazed to discover from my aunt that in the 1920s to 1950s, my great-grandmother served her community during birth, death and everything in between! So, I guess you could say it's in my DNA!
In 2016, I made the decision to take my first action step to fulfill my life's purpose. It was imperative for me to capture in the name of my company, the emotional and physical courage it takes to face life's heartbreaking milestones when having to say goodbye to one's health, life and loved ones. And so, Courageous Goodbyes® was born!