Bedside Vigil Support
No one should have to die alone.
A small part of my practice is offering bedside vigil support for LGBTQ+ people approaching the end of life who have little family, community, or affirming support.
This work is offered in very limited circumstances and only a few times each year so that I can be fully present for those I accompany.
What Is a Bedside Vigil?
A bedside vigil is the practice of accompanying someone during the final days, hours, or moments of life.
Sometimes that means conversation. Sometimes it means storytelling, music, prayer, or ritual. Sometimes it means sitting quietly in the same room while someone sleeps.
There is no right way to die, and there is no single way to keep company with the dying.
The work is not to fix, guide, or explain death.
The work is to remain present.
Who This Support Is For
This offering is specifically for LGBTQ+ people facing the end of life who may have limited support or who do not feel fully seen by the people around them.
This includes:
People estranged from biological family.
People whose chosen family needs additional support.
People living in communities where their identity is not affirmed.
People facing the end of life largely alone.
People who wish to have an LGBTQ+-affirming companion present during the dying process.
What Support May Include
Presence
Sitting bedside
Conversation
Silence
Reading aloud
Music
Storytelling
Care
Supporting chosen family
Creating simple rituals
Witnessing memories
Helping honor identity and wishes
Grief support before and after death
My Approach
Michelle Carrera is a writer, grief worker, trained death doula, and ordained interfaith animal chaplain based in Puerto Rico.
My work is rooted in the belief that grief belongs to community and that every person deserves dignity, recognition, and companionship at the end of life.
I approach vigil work with humility, deep listening, and respect for each person's spiritual beliefs, relationships, and lived experience.
Availability
Because this work is emotionally intensive and requires significant presence, I accompany no more than three individuals each year.
This is not an emergency service and I cannot guarantee availability when a need arises.
If I am unable to help, I will do my best to connect you with other resources.
Reach Out
If you are seeking bedside vigil support for yourself or someone you love, I invite you to get in touch.
Every situation is unique. We can begin with a conversation.
This offering exists because many LGBTQ+ people reach the end of life without the support, recognition, or chosen family they deserve. No one should have to make that passage alone.