By Emily Schmid
Out of the many roles I have at St. Francis, one of my favorites is accompanying families as they plan a funeral. That might sound morbid or even strange, but I find deep joy in walking with those who grieve, especially in those moments when they allow me to see them in their most vulnerable and honest state. The trust families place in me is sacred, and I am honored to help them celebrate the life of their loved one through prayer and music.
Growing up on a farm, the circle of life was always before me. I saw birth and death side by side, and it was never something to fear. Instead, I saw it as part of the beauty of creation and a reminder that life itself is a gift from God, and that He alone gives and receives it back in love. That awareness carried with me into my work as a music therapist in hospice. There, I learned what it means to have a “good death.” It’s not just about comfort or medical care, but about gratitude, closure, and peace—a holy readiness to meet God face-to-face.
From a Catholic perspective, the journey toward a good death begins long before our final days. Every time we pray, receive the sacraments, or seek reconciliation, we are preparing our hearts to one day say yes to God’s invitation home. Our faith reminds us that death is not the end, but the fulfillment of a promise: “If we have died with Christ, we shall also live with Him” (2 Timothy 2:11).