Contrary to common belief, "dying process" encompasses far more than simple pathophysiology and grief.  It is a holistic perspective that probes into the very meaning of life and death.  It is, in fact, the perspective of life and death adopted by many dying people as they experience their personal dying process directly.  I learned the meaning of "dying process" from the experts; i.e. dying people themselves.

The dying teach us how to live.  That may sound like an esoteric statement with little practical application, but nothing could be further from the truth.  A good understanding of what dying process is all about affects one's life just as surely and as profoundly as a full-blown NDE (near death experience.) 

The fact of the matter is, dying people come to view the world differently than the non-dying, or more accurately, the not-yet dying.  This is interesting because it is the not-yet dying who become the dying, and somewhere along the line, somewhere in the course of their dying process, their world view is altered.  One could say that there are two ways of looking at the world; 1- through the eyes of the not-yet dying and 2- through the eyes of the dying.  And the latter perspective is far more sensible and functional than the former. 

Consulting with me should be viewed as an educational experience about dying process whether it is performed with administrative, medical, professional, volunteer or lay personnel.  While my background is in nursing I am not just a nurse educator, I am a dying process educator. 

All people die regardless of their socio-economic or educational history, and since there is no study of dying process in the academic world, no profession can claim it as their own. The only reason I know anything about it is because my situation was really quite unique.  First of all, I had the interest.  That is something that one either has or does not have.  Second, I was fortunate enough to have an appropriate background.   Third, I was blessed with the opportunity to study dying process in the field, close-up and personal.  Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I had the time.  In today's economic milieu the convergence of all these factors is truly rare.

 The result of my unique situation was that I came to understand, somewhat to my surprise and certainly to my relief, that dying process and even death itself is both logical and purposeful.  This is quite a departure from the consensus view of the not-yet dying.  It is, in fact, the view of the dying. 

As caregivers to the dying it is well that we study their perspective, especially considering their perspective shall one day be our own.

Michael Holmes

Consultation fees vary depending upon your needs and may be calculated on a per hour, per diem or a per job basis.

If you want me to travel to your facility all of my expenses must be covered in addition to regular fees.  Keep in mind that modern communications systems are  sufficient in most cases and considerably more economical than flying people around the country and putting them up in hotels.  You should also know that I am legally blind and cannot travel alone.

Conditions Of Use

Partial payment must be completed in advance and can be made using a credit card.

No recordings or reproductions of my work, in whole or in part, can be made without my written permission.