Living Tribute

In a living tribute, your life story is captured authentically and narrated from your perspective, in your style. Leave a written legacy to inspire and be remembered by.

What is the story you wish to tell about your life? Would you share of the challenges you overcame, your values, your proudest achievements? What about your most cherished relationships, lessons this life has taught you, or the things that inspired you and sparked joy? In a living tribute, your story is professionally written with your voice as narrator.

Writing a eulogy for a loved one can be a daunting task under the weight of grief. A prepared tribute is a compassionate gift; it doubles as a eulogy or memorial, and serves as a framework for an obituary. Allow your family and friends to commemorate your life and find solace in the intentional words you leave behind.

Not only do living tributes serve as a reflection on one’s life after death, but they can also be meaningful expressions while living. Some people opt to share them at special occasions like milestone birthdays, retirement parties, or intimate gatherings such as Celebrations of Life (sometimes called Living Funerals).

Preparing a tribute while living can be a powerful and cathartic process. It offers you the opportunity to reflect on your personal journey and shape your legacy.

what’s the process?

Prior to our first meeting, a series of questions will be emailed to review. Then we’ll schedule a time to chat in person (San Antonio) or on Zoom/FaceTime. Plan to spend a couple of hours in conversation with me.

We’ll discuss the trajectory of your life, complete with important names and dates. From there, I’ll ask follow-up questions and leave space for you to share what matters most to you. My main job is to actively listen, follow your lead, and capture your voice. Each tribute is as unique as the person reflected in it.

Next, I’ll write the first draft and email it within 10-12 business days. You will have the chance to review for potential revisions up to two times before a final copy is sent to you. Non-disclosure agreements upon request. Addendums available. Ask me how we can customize this project even more!

A written tribute averages between 2000–4000 words in length, which is roughly 10–15 minutes read aloud.

end of life writingS

As an end-of-life doula, I help gather your loved one’s final thoughts and farewells in writing. *

Treasure written accounts of final musings and memories, words of wisdom, and stories beyond the scope of a personal tribute. Final letters and notes can also be dictated for gifting, sometimes attached to mementos or heirlooms. I may gently guide conversation, but this is a time for compassionate listening. These collections should be done while someone has the capacity to speak and share with minimal effort. 

End of life written legacy projects are priced at an hourly rate. Please contact me for details or to discuss ideas for customized legacy projects.

* Alternatively, these stories and letters may be gathered at any point in someone’s adult life — not just end of life — to pass down as a written legacy now or in the future.

Pet tribute

Animals are members of the family, too. A tribute can help keep the details of your pet’s personality and life in full focus, forever. The process is similar to writing a living tribute, but from the pet family’s point of view.