Many years ago, I read that you should never skirt around death with softening words like “he passed” or “is no longer with us.” So I’ve said death and dying ever since, as in, “He/she died.” No one has ever taken offense from it.

Nevertheless, “I think that people in America see death as a failure,” says one death doula. “Look at the language we use – “she lost her battle with cancer.” “He bravely fought his disease for many years.” Death is not something that needs to be denied or fought against, however. It is a natural part of life.”

The sooner we accept that, the better off we’ll all be.