In Memoriam

I've struggled with how exactly to write this post.

This is not a "promo" or "spotlight" on one of our incredible literary and poetic talents.

It is so much more.

Sharleen McCorrister's latest release - Requiem - finishes her Tales of a Death Doula trilogy off. (It's first two titles being, A Time for All Seasons, and The Death Whisperer.)

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It is with a heavy heart that I must announce that Sharleen McCorrister's husband - Peter William Rath - had passed away on October 9th, 2025. It is truly my honour to know that Sharleen's recent title was received by him, in love, before his passing.

You can honour their final wishes, in lieu of flowers, here.

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I had to privilege of being asked to pen the foreword of this book, and I will share it with you:

What is grief but love persevering?

I've had the honour of accompanying Sharleen on this 3-year odyssey to bring forth the Tales of a Death Doula Trilogy.

It began near the end of 2022, and to say it's been a challenging and difficult journey would be an understatement, culminating in this final title, Requiem.

As the author's bio states, Sharleen is a certified palliative care death doula and as such, her job, task, and burden is to help and assist those in palliative care. Similar to a birth doula supporting birthing mothers and families, a death doula offers guidance, compassion, and emotional and spiritual support during the dying process. They complement hospice, focusing on the person's holistic well-being. But most importantly, they help navigate the practicalities and emotions of a terminal illness and end-of-life.

Exiting the pandemic, like it or not, we were all forced to face the topic of death. Death of our neighbours – death of loved ones – and even, grudgingly, death of ourselves. At the best of times discussions of this nature are socially frowned upon, and at worst, simply ignored and avoided. Our society doesn't 'do' death. It is forbidden, it is a faux pas. After all, it's something that happens to other people, right?

This is what makes Requiem so powerful. Dedicated to Sharleen's husband, Peter, for it would be Peter who would be diagnosed with terminal cancer, and it would be Sharleen's training put to the ultimate test.

Like the dark small hours of the night, there are moments when the truth becomes raw and the struggles too real. These are times of extreme turmoil where uncertainty reigns; times where one's own imagination can be their combatant.

The voice that speaks is one that is normally silent. Forbidden and pushed down, when it speaks it is a momentary lapse of societal fear. Freed from the constraints of normalcy, this voice careens without bounds or restrictions. It speaks its truth in the purest, yet most sobering tones of the heart. It speaks to an imagined future, alive and sentient, a tomorrow yet to see fruition. It is an unapologetic gamut and emotional mælstrom. Although touching upon fear, isolation, and grief, it also touches upon, not just the end, but also new beginnings. It is seasoned with the peppering of hope.

There is a finality in Requiem, but there is also a letting go and a moving forward. Even through the grief, there is reverence and love of what was, what is, and what will remain. It does not embrace the bitter, but exactly what its title suggests; reverence and remembrance.

What is grief but love persevering? Requiem has the bravery to acknowledge that death is a natural part of life, and that grief is a powerful expression of love that endures despite loss. Even in the heart of darkness, hope still resides and shines.

Ultimately, it is a testament to their life and love. It speaks of something larger than ourselves. Not only is it beautiful, it has the courage and audacity to dare shine with hope during a dark time. It is love incarnate that will never pass or fade. It is something our world needs more of.

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Both the author, Sharleen, and the publisher - both Broken Keys Publishing and myself - have strived and struggled to get this title available in time.

It needs to be said that Requiem is dedicated to Peter. But more so, a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to The Ruddy Shenkman Hospice, both where Sharleen volunteered and where Peter spent his final days.

It is with both humility and honour that Broken Keys Publishing & Press announces the release of this title. Requiem.