Resources | Damselfly Website

Someone you love is Dying, now what?

There are resources to help.

Books

The Art of Dying Well

The Art of Dying Well by Katy Butler is a compassionate guide that offers practical, medical, and spiritual advice on how to live well into old age, cope with illness, and ensure a dignified and meaningful death, based on personal experience and expert insights.

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Companioning the Bereaved

In this guide, Alan Wolfelt redefines grief counseling by advocating for a compassionate, "companioning" approach that focuses on supporting the bereaved through understanding and listening, rather than diagnosing grief as an illness.

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The Many Faces of MAID

The Many Faces of MAID compiles seventeen personal stories of those who’ve experienced a loved one choosing medically assisted death. Offering raw, emotional glimpses, it helps readers find comfort, validation, and companionship, while exploring the range of feelings before, during, and after the MAID journey. Every experience is unique, and readers are reminded they are not alone.

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The Last Doctor

The Last Doctor by Dr. Jean Marmoreo explores her journey into Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) after Canada's 2016 Supreme Court ruling. Through poignant patient stories and her own emotional transformation, Marmoreo offers a compassionate and personal look at end-of-life care, addressing profound questions about pain, dignity, and choice.

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Podcasts

End of Life University

Hosted by Dr. Karen Wyatt, this podcast explores various aspects of end-of-life care, including discussions about death, dying, and the processes surrounding MAiD.

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Dying with Dignity Canada Podcast

This podcast provides insights into MAiD and assisted dying in Canada, featuring stories, expert interviews, and discussions on the ethical considerations surrounding these topics.

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The Death Dialogues Project

This podcast features personal stories and interviews about death and dying, including discussions on end-of-life choices and the impact of MAiD on individuals and families.

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The Death Dialogues Project

This podcast features personal stories and interviews about death and dying, including discussions on end-of-life choices and the impact of MAiD on individuals and families.

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The Grief and End of Life Podcast

Focused on grief and the end-of-life experience, this podcast addresses many aspects of dying, including choices around MAiD and the support needed for families.

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The Art of Dying Well Podcast

This podcast focuses on a variety of end-of-life topics, including MAiD, grief, and preparing for death with dignity. It offers advice from experts, personal stories, and practical guidance on navigating the complexities of dying and loss

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Websites

Advanced Care Planning Information

Advance care planning (ACP) helps you reflect on what matters most and share your wishes with loved ones to ensure you receive the care you want.

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Advanced Care Planning Download Booklet

Our Advance Care Planning (ACP) Kit helps you express your end-of-life care wishes and start important conversations with loved ones and healthcare providers.

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Wills

This is a resource for learning more about wills, including how to create one, the role of an executor, the probate process, and how certain assets are handled outside of a will.

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MAiD

Learn more about Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) law, including eligibility, procedural safeguards, and the different types of MAID permitted under Canadian law.

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Films

"Being Mortal" (2015)

Based on Atul Gawande's book, this PBS documentary explores the challenges of aging and the choices available at the end of life, featuring stories from patients and families.

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End Game

This short documentary follows the work of palliative care teams at a San Francisco hospital as they help terminally ill patients and their families navigate the end of life.

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When You Die Triliogy

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Books for Kids & Teens

It is recommended that parents/guardians read the novels before acquiring for your child to ensure it’s appropriateness for that individual

"Someone I Loved Died" by Christine Harder Tangvald

This book provides a Christian perspective on death, explaining God's plan for everlasting life in an age-appropriate way for young children, offering comfort and clarity about what happens after death.

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"The Invisible String" by Patrice Karst

The Invisible String is a bestselling, heartwarming picture book that helps children understand the enduring, unseen connections of love that bind us all, providing comfort during times of separation, loss, or grief, and promoting a message of love that transcends distance.

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"The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages" by Leo Buscaglia

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia is a touching and gentle story that uses the life cycle of a leaf to explore themes of life, death, and the natural transitions we all experience, offering comfort and understanding for readers of all ages.

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The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green follows Hazel Grace, a terminally ill cancer patient, whose life is transformed when she meets Augustus Waters, a charming boy in her support group, leading to a deeply emotional exploration of love, life, and loss.

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If I stay

If I Stay by Gayle Forman tells the story of 17-year-old Mia, who after a car accident, must piece together the loss of her family and decide whether to stay alive or let go, in a heart-wrenching exploration of life, love, and family.

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Stars beneath our feet

Max Tyne, a brilliant scientist, races to complete the Calliope's engines for a galaxy survey. Medical orderly Walter Potter uncovers a mysterious mission, leading to shocking discoveries. A thrilling blend of science fiction and speculative science.

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