-by Judy Buchman

As a child, I had a Near Death Experience (NDE) which changed my life. Some of the changes weren't triggered until much later when I went through an extremely difficult divorce.

At that time I began a spiritual journey that opened me up to experiences I never could have imagined.

I had a successful career in the corporate world, but I felt an inner prompting to leave my career behind. Shortly afterward, my parents honored me by allowing me to care for them during their terminal illnesses. I was able to be with each of them at their moment of death.

Caring for my parents in their 11th hour triggered a complete change in my life. I realized my "calling" was to help terminally ill patients make their transitions to the other side without anxiety and fear. I sought opportunities to provide support to patients and their families during the end of life. Eventually I began training others to provide a compassionate, supportive, and reassuring presence for the dying.

Today, I have the good fortune of being able to devote myself to work that fills my life with meaning and gratitude. I consider myself blessed to be able to help others, and I know I am being guided by a Higher Power.

Judith L. Buchman is the Founder of Gentle Passages Care, Inc.