Some meet Death early on in life - at birth, in the womb, or during childhood. Others stumble into Death's arms by accident, whether due to simple circumstance or perhaps predestined (fate) is anyone's guess. But if I had to provide a brief synopsis of my own journey, I would say my connection to Death began at birth, as I believe it does for everyone.

 

Where I may differ from others is due to culture and ancestry. Being raised by my abuela Doña Fernanda in Mexico while straddling imaginary border lines (as a first generation Mexican-American mind you) will do that to you.

 

So will losing your best friend's mom in high school while your own mother battles breast cancer. Or sitting behind the kid who unexpectedly dies in a car accident one weekend. Doula-ing my mom home in 2015. The loss of friendships and innocence. A childhood dog, followed by a beloved soul pup. Witnessing my stepfather die in the emergency room is another.

 

All in all, to say my relationship with Death has been both rich and suffocating would be an understatement. No matter your own personal relationship to Death, though, the important thing is that you have one.

 

A relationship that you build and nurture. A connection that becomes an unpromising (but reliable) foundation, an unconditional guide, and a place of quiet solace. Because after sitting with and receiving messages from hundreds of people, I have come to find out that our own quests into the many realms where Death reside are always (and I mean always) fruitful. 

 

 

- Adriana Michelle