“I began coaching sessions with Virginia several years ago because frankly, I was curious. In our early work, I shared my fear of dying because both my parents died when they were young.  I thought it was predetermined that I would die soon, so I was always terrified of dying.  I had goals and dreams and simply accepted they would never come true. Virginia made me feel loved and accepted. She is the best listener I’ve ever known.  She is a gentle, calming, loving presence. We did exercises that helped me learn more about my fears—everything from planning an ideal day to breathing exercises and talking about my dreams. Slowly, I started to celebrate living more than expecting death.  I revisited my creative gifts and began painting and writing a memoir about my relationship with my late mother.  I actually found joy through creating. I made the decision to change to part-time remote work. I wanted to be happy for the rest of my life—no matter how long.  I even purchased a beautiful handmade pottery cremation urn and found myself embracing it instead of fearing what it symbolized. I planned every detail of my memorial service and wrote letters for my loved ones to open after my death. Virginia shared ideas about burials and death rituals that were more meaningful and sustainable than traditional funerals and memorial services. I came to think of dying more as a celebration of a life well lived than a sad time that has to be experienced as a loss. Virginia helped me laugh, too. Now I am living instead of dying! I’m better prepared to accept my death when it does come. When I eventually approach my end of life, I can imagine no one who I would rather walk the journey with than Virginia. She is like a guardian angel who takes your hand and guides you to Heaven. My only fear now is that she might not be available when the time comes. Virginia is part of a wonderful trend—people facing their deaths with joyful courage. She is truly a treasure.”

— Lisa Harrison |  Birmingham, Alabama