Passage to Agapē

Why I chose to pursue this work...

Since my father was absent for most of my childhood and died from a work accident when I was 14, my grandfather was the closest thing to a father figure. I was his shadow and followed him practically everywhere, even on late night trips to the hospital. My experiences with him were what made me want to "heal" people. As I was further into my teenage years I helped care for him and on the way home from a doctor visit he turned to me with tears in his eyes and said "Vale, I'm gonna die. I'm scared I'm gonna die." Suddenly, he was human. The 19 year old me was frozen and the only thing I could think to do was be present with him as I nodded my head to acknowledge him and kept my tear filled eyes on the road.

Soon after, he wound up in the hospital again and this time was worse than the rest. I spent as much time as I could with him at the hospital, sleeping on the recliner in ICU. On one of his last few days of his life he kept asking around for my younger brother, so I half jokingly said, "Popo, why don't you ever ask for me?" and he replied, "I never ask for you, Valita, because I know you'll always be here." And that was the moment I understood the power of presence.

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Since I was a child I always wanted to be a healer, however, after working on my own healing journey I realize that it is not my duty to heal people. My calling is to create a safe space for others to be, and in turn they will heal parts of themselves. For me, those impactful moments happened to be when death was near or for those who have suffered a loss. I have had multiple experiences with dying people from the years I worked in the hospital and other times where I have been with family or friends. Each instance I have held onto that inner knowing of holding space for others and have had some profound moments that I will cherish for the rest of my life. 

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This work is for all the souls that will never leave my heart, the ones that have taught me the sacredness of life and death..

For Hugo (my dad), Popo (my grandpa), Catalina (my grandma), Gail, Oso, and Kylee.

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Valerie's Education & Certification

Notary Public, CPCC

End-of-Life Doula, International Doulagivers Institute

Reiki Master/Teacher, Usui Ryoho Reiki

Master of Healthcare Administration, Utica College

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, UNCC