The Gift of Presence is, at it's heart is a book about demystifying death and empowering individuals towards a peaceful end-of-life journey. It delves into the world of death doulas, exploring their history, training, and motivations. You'll learn about the core philosophies of holistic end-of-life care, contrasting Western practices with a broader perspective on achieving a "good death." The book equips you to find and work with a death doula, explaining their role in providing support, education, and empowerment for both the dying and their loved ones. It even explores the niche of pet death doulas. The book tackles future considerations, including navigating cultural and ethical complexities in end-of-life care. It explores the rising costs of death care, dismantles societal stigmas, and discusses alternative ways to approach death, including natural death, medical aid in dying, and green burials. Ultimately, the book empowers readers to advocate for a more positive and fulfilling end-of-life experience.