Abigail’s new book, Everybody’s Doing It, So Let’s Die Better, blends humor, care, and 20 years of experience to help us all navigate the end of life with dignity and grace.
We all know death is inevitable, but most of us would prefer to ignore it, until it’s staring us in the face. “If you’re afraid of death, then you’re healthy,” says Abigail, who approaches this subject in a very real and practical way. Whether it’s the illness of a loved one, facing our own mortality, or caring for someone nearing the end of their life, the subject of death can be uncomfortable, confusing, and full of unspoken fears. But Abigail, a nurse with over 20 years of experience, is here to change that. With her new book, Everybody’s Doing It, So Let’s Die Better, she’s inviting readers to approach the end of life with a unique combination of humor, heart, and practical advice all while acknowledging the challenging aspects of it, the fear, grief and more.
With over 15 years of experience in hospice and palliative care, Abigail brings a wealth of knowledge to her writing, offering caregivers and loved ones the tools they need to navigate the final chapter with compassion and understanding. Her approach is about making death a part of life that we can talk about, prepare for, and even find healing in, all while infusing a little humor into the process.
Making Peace with the Inevitable
Abigail’s approach to death and dying is both candid and comforting. She’s spent two decades working in clinical environments, often in the delicate and emotional space of hospice and palliative care, where the focus isn’t on curing illness but on providing comfort and dignity in the face of mortality. Her extensive background gives her a unique perspective on death, one that goes beyond the clinical and into the deeply human aspects of the end-of-life experience.
“I’ve seen those final moments, the emotional turmoil, the awkwardness, and the humor,” Abigail explains. “And what I’ve learned is that death doesn’t have to be this thing we just avoid until we have no choice. We can bring compassion, dignity, and even some humor into this experience.”
Her book, Everybody’s Doing It, So Let’s Die Better, is more than just a practical guide to end-of-life care. It’s a call to stop avoiding the conversation about death and to embrace it, because we’re all going to die, and we might as well face it with open hearts and open minds. For caregivers, family members, and even those who are trying to confront their own mortality, Abigail offers valuable insights that can transform the way we look at life’s final moments.
A Guide for Caregivers and Those Who Love Them
Caregiving, particularly when it involves end-of-life care, can be one of the most difficult and emotionally exhausting journeys a person can take. In Everybody’s Doing It, So Let’s Die Better, Abigail offers both practical advice and emotional support for those caring for a loved one during their final days. She combines her clinical expertise with her compassionate, down-to-earth style, creating a guide that is as much about emotional resilience as it is about medical care.
“Caregiving can be overwhelming and isolating,” she says.
Abigail’s writing is filled with relatable stories, helping caregivers navigate the overwhelming “oh crap” moments that inevitably arise when caring for someone who is dying. She emphasizes the importance of humor in those tough times, showing readers that laughter isn’t disrespectful, it’s often exactly what’s needed to lighten the load and keep things in perspective.
Healing Through Humor and Honest Conversations
One of the things that sets Abigail’s work apart is her ability to find humor in the midst of one of life’s most difficult experiences. As someone who has spent years in hospice care, she’s seen how humor can be a vital tool in the healing process, whether it’s easing tension, comforting the grieving, or helping people feel more at ease in a situation that often feels too heavy to bear.
“In my experience, humor has been a lifesaver for many families,” Abigail reflects. “It helps people feel more connected, less afraid, and more open to the emotional process of letting go.”
Throughout Everybody’s Doing It, So Let’s Die Better, Abigail invites readers to meet Auntie Death, her metaphorical “mentor” who provides wisdom, levity, and even comfort when things get tough. By using a bit of humor and allowing space for grief, Abigail helps guide readers through the journey of death and dying in a way that makes it a little more manageable, even beautiful.
More Than Just a Guide, It’s a Path to Living Well
Abigail’s message is not just about dying, it’s about living well until the end. She emphasizes that end-of-life care isn’t just for those at the end of their lives; it’s about creating meaningful moments throughout the entire journey. Her work focuses on helping both caregivers and the terminally ill maintain their dignity, find peace, and foster connection in their final days.
“I truly believe that healing doesn’t stop when curing no longer can happen. Even at the end of life, there is room for growth, for love, for connection.”
Her book is a reminder that caregiving is as much about living fully as it is about preparing for death. It’s about making the most of the time you have and ensuring that both the person being cared for and the caregiver experience the end of life with as much grace, humor, and comfort as possible.
Let’s Die Better Together
As Abigail’s book shows we can transform the end of life into something more meaningful, not just for the person dying but for the loved ones left behind. Abigail’s work is a powerful reminder that we are all connected in this journey, and together, we can make the process of dying, and living, more compassionate, more meaningful, and, yes, even a little lighter.
Ready to start your journey toward dying better? Visit Nurse Abigail’s Website or check out her Linktree to learn more about her book and other resources to help you navigate the path of caregiving with humor, compassion, and heart.
