5 Life Lessons from Ms G — A Death Doula’s Reflection
- Beth Montgomery
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
I’ve met a lot of people at the end of their lives. But every now and then, someone shows up and stays with you long after they’ve gone.
For me, that someone was Ms G.
I met her while volunteering after becoming certified as a Death Doula. She was stylish, gracious, deeply spiritual, and had a strength that radiated through every moment we shared. I visited her every Tuesday for over a year. We cleaned cabinets, shared stories, laughed, sat in silence, and sometimes just cried.
When she died—peacefully, surrounded by her huge, loving family—I knew her legacy would live on in the small, powerful ways she shaped my life.
So here they are, the five life lessons Ms G taught me that I’ll never forget:
1. Keep Showing Up
Even in pain. Even when tired. Even when the world feels heavy. Miss G got dressed every morning. Her bed was always made. She showed up with grace, style, and presence. She reminded me that honoring yourself doesn’t stop at the end. It matters more than ever.
2. Be Polite. Always.
She said “thank you” for everything. Even when I told her I loved her, she’d smile and say, “Oh, thank you.” It wasn’t performative—it was genuine. Kindness poured out of her. She treated everyone like they mattered. That energy is contagious.
3. See the Good in People
Even when life gave her reasons not to, Miss G chose to believe in the good. When her wallet went missing, she didn’t jump to blame. She held space for possibility. She saw people through a lens of compassion, even when it was hard.
4. You’re Stronger Than You Think
This woman opened a can of cranberry sauce with one pop of her hand when I couldn’t even dent it with a knife. But more than that, she was emotionally resilient. Her faith was her anchor. She’d lived through enough heartbreak to shut down—but instead, she chose love.
5. Do the Things, Even When They’re Hard
She didn’t let pain define her. She still moved her body, sipped her tea, cared for her home, and made space for joy. Ms G lived fully—even while dying. She embodied courage in motion.
Ms G had a hard life. And a beautiful death. Surrounded, supported, never alone. I wish that kind of death for everyone.
I miss her deeply. But her lessons live on—in my work, in my heart, and in the way I continue to show up for others.
If you want more of these stories, or to be in community with others who are navigating grief, death, and life with open hearts, come join my free Skool community. We just hosted a How to Release Your Grief workshop and it was beautiful.
You belong in spaces like this.