Brian F. Ed.D.

Rear Admiral/Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS (Ret.)

In my professional life, I have been no stranger to the issues of death and dying. However, when it comes to the dying of a loved one, all that experience and education is not enough.

When my elderly mother was in her late stages of dementia and I was responsible for her care and wellbeing, I needed help. I found the help and guidance I needed, and more, in Jenny Buckley. I needed someone with years of experience in serving those who are dying and their families, who knows the ins, outs, pros, and cons of systems of care, who knows the options, and perhaps most reassuring to me, told me the truth. At the same time, in her honesty and candor, she was kind, empathetic, and understanding. She has an uncanny ability to know when to talk and when to listen.

I am accustomed to being in a leadership role. But I know my limits. In this circumstance, I needed Jenny to help me navigate those turbulent and unfamiliar waters. She did that with care and competence and she stayed until we safely reached the shore.

Nothing and no one can make the emotions and decisions that attend the death of a loved one easy. But, having Jenny supporting and guiding made the process far easier. I will be forever in her debt.