TESTIMONIALS
Serving as a doula to another human being at the end of their life is a profound honor and a privilege. Selecting a doula to accompany you or your loved ones on this sacred journey is not an insignificant decision. IKIRU offers free consultations to people who are considering or curious about doula support. Consultation meetings are held in person, via phone, or via Skype. They typically run 45-60 minutes, and provide an opportunity to briefly explore your needs and goals and how IKIRU may best support you in achieving them. The following selected testimonials are intended to provide a sense of Mina's approach and personality in supporting the dying and the people they care about.
"I’d like to say Mina ‘coached' my family through the transition of one of my oldest friends— but that single word is entirely insufficient to describe the depth of our experience with her as a doula. Her compassion, her wisdom, and her emphasis on enduring love— combined with a 'practical serenity' that established a sense of stability and let us focus, release our fear, and attend to the moments we were sharing— made our experience one of the most important in my life." N. H. - Bethesda, MD
"I’ve known Mina for quite some time. But it didn’t take me long to realize that she is a very compassionate person. Combined with this compassion is a seemingly natural gift for making one feel as if they have known her all one’s life, as if there is somehow some connection between herself and the unspecified spirit that connects us all. She combines this gift with intelligence, and therefore she is someone I’d want around in any time of need." T.O. - Maplewood, NJ
"Thank you Mina. For your insight into end of life. For your warm voice. For respect of the dying that you have taught me. I hope everyone (because everyone will) has the knowledge you have instilled in me by witness and by guidance to love our loved ones and ourselves through this shedding of body. I feel like the dread is replaced by love and beauty. Perhaps even hope and a willingness to be guided." J. Z. - Washington, DC
"Over the course of three-and-a-half months, my friend learned he was suffering from advanced cancer, underwent an incredibly grueling round of chemotherapy, and died. Through the entire gut-wrenching process, Mina was a fierce advocate when necessary, an incredibly efficient dispenser of information to friends and family. Thanks to Mina and her amazingly positive attitude, my friend and those of us who loved him were able to find solace and occasional moments of beauty during an extremely difficult time. She set the standard to which all caregivers and doulas should aspire." H. B. - Washington, DC