Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynne-Anne McGrail.
Hi Lynne-Anne, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am from Methuen, Massachusetts. It is there in an old apple cider mill that was converted to a home, where my life changed forever. On November 5, 1980, we had fire and my brother David, at the young age of 13, lost his life to smoke inhalation. My parents soon divorced and my mom, sister and I floundered about trying to find meaning in a very confusing world. Fast forward several years and my dear friend died of lung cancer. Then my aunt passed from a heart attack. Only to be followed by my dad who suffered for seven years with dementia. And most recently, my dear and precious 32-year-old niece who became septic after complications to Crohn’s disease. It is from all these blessed experiences that have helped shape who I am. I say blessed because it was and is a gift to have had these beautiful people in my life. It is from the richness of life that I decided to work in the field of death as an End-of-Life Doula (EOLD). Today my work brings me bedside to those that are getting ready to transition. I am supporting the dying person and their loved ones in any way that is needed, knowing that I would have loved this kind of support when I was going through my own traumatic life experiences. It is truly an honor and a gift to serve in this way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, deciding to become an End-of-Life Doula (EOLD) has been a smooth ride simply because working in this field truly aligns with my Soul. The biggest struggle, if there is one, is the fact that hardly anyone has heard of an EOLD! Ask anyone around if they have heard of an EOLD and the answer is NO. So my charge, if you will, is to get OUT THERE, let people know I exist. I am currently a member of two very active networking groups, BNI (Business Networking International) Beverly Hills chapter and the Westside OASN (Older Adult Service Network) in Los Angeles. These two groups help me spread the word about my EOLD services and provide many referrals that keep me busy (I am most grateful).
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about A Peaceful Transition?
In 2013, I became a partner in my husband’s company A Better You, Inc, where he is a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Self-Improvement Specialist. I joined initially after getting my MA in Spiritual Psychology and becoming certified as a Life Coach from the Fowler Wainwright International Institute of Professional Coaching. For seven years, I enjoyed coaching clients but always felt something was missing in my “calling”. Then, as mentioned earlier, my 32-year-old niece got very sick. She had Crohnes Disease and her colon erupted. She went septic and died within 72 hours. I was able to fly to her and be by her side while she transitioned. It changed my life.
A deep knowing came forward in my belly that sitting vigil, sitting bedside with those who are about to transition is something I wanted to do. The pull to do this was so strong, it scared me! Sit bedside with dying people? What was I some kind of death angel?
This transpired into becoming certified as an End-of-Life Doula and a division of A Better You was born, A Peaceful Transition. I’ve never looked back! Now the work I do is two-fold. I provide non-medical emotional, mental and spiritual support to the terminally ill patient and their loved ones and caregivers.
Most of my work is alongside Hospice, which is a beautiful organization that provides end of life care. The number one complaint from the consumers of Hospice is that they are not there enough. That’s where I come in, filling in the gaps of services so desperately needed by the families.
I also work as a consultant, going out into the community educating the public about what it means to have peace of mind at the time of death. And that is to be ready! Are you ready? Do you have all your papers in orders? Does your family know what your wishes are for the end of life? Do you want to be kept alive by a machine? Do you have a health care proxy? Getting the answers to these questions (and many more) will help bring peace of mind to the one thing that is guaranteed in life, and that’s death. It all starts with a conversation and today is the day to have it 🙂
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
First of all, I would like to give thanks to all the patients and clients that have let me into their homes and into their hearts as I do this loving work. It is their trust in me and my process that fuels my passion to continue this work. If not for them, I would not be here. I would also like to take a moment to give gratitude to all my teachers who have bestowed their wealth of information onto me; Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick from the University of Santa Monica, where I got my MA in Spiritual Psychology; also Suzanne O’Brien RN, the founder of Doulagivers International, who provided the incredibly in-depth education on death and dying and what it means to be an End-of-Life Doula. I need to thank many of my spiritual teachers and thought leaders, Wallace Black Elk, Tom Brown Jr, Rev. Michael Beckwith, Don Miguel Ruiz to name a few. I want to extend grace and love to my family members and friends who have died and who are with me always in spirit—especially as I do this work. And most importantly, I would like to thank my husband, Soul-mate, best friend and lover, Dr. John McGrail, who has supported me throughout my journey. A relationship I never take for granted and for which I am most grateful.
Contact Info:
- Email: care@apeacefultransitionla.com
- Website: www.apeacefultransitionla.com
- Instagram: @apeacefultransitionla
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apeacefultransitionla, https://www.facebook.com/lynneanne.mcgrail
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lynne-Anne+mcgral
