Fall 2020 - Member Spotlight
Kerry received her end-of-life doula training at the Conscious Dying Institute and went on to use her skills as a volunteer at Denver Hospice. Prior, she worked at the Denver Police Department as a victim’s specialist. As a specialist, she responded to victims of rape, domestic violence and assault, and to families of suicides and homicides. Kerry feels that many of the same skills she brought to victims in crises, she brings to the dying and their families.
“I believe that when most people are at their lowest low…when they are hurting and afraid…their hearts cry out for Mother. I can be that presence. I can wrap that person in my arms and rock them, whether physically or metaphorically.” When not “rocking” Kerry writes articles and books, lectures, and creates art.
Kerry holds a BA in Communications and Journalism from the University of New Mexico, and an MS in Criminology from Regis University.
War Cries: Unheard Voices, Unmarked Graves
by Kerry Arquette
The devastation caused by World War II is described by historians in terms of military strategies and battles, the toll on economics, and the numbers of dead. But only the stories of those whose lives were changed or lost, can convey the true horror of the war. These were people very much like ourselves—men, women, children, siblings, poets, soldiers, students, professionals, laborers, givers, takers, jokers, dancers, lovers, dreamers, cowards, and the brave. Each is the hero of his own tale.
Each tale underscores the uniqueness of human perception based upon personality and circumstances. By listening to the voices of those with stories to tell, we can grow in our appreciation of what it means to be human. War Cries: Unheard Voices, Unmarked Graves provides a stage for those who experienced the war to speak their truths.
War Cries Artwork
From War Cries
Fanny Mina Grotz
(First story in War Cries)
There is a place a world away
Where a man may journey after his toils are through.
Without the weight of guilt or blame or passion or pain
His soul rises like a leaf born on the gentlest breeze.
And as the earth falls below, the air becomes clean and clear.
Sounds fade to the whirr of a hummingbird’s wings.
Odors of life and death dilute, then, disappear.
From this ethereal tower that dwarfs the tallest mountain peaks,
One can view the enormous mosaic of mankind--
From time’s conception to the clock’s most recent tick.
A man may find his soul space in this scheme,
Gaining perspective on his contribution to the rich and riotous whole.
And then he will know if his life has been well-lived or wasted,
And whether, in the end, he was hero or villain.
Chorus
(Last in book)
White rabbits can be drawn from hats,
And coins plucked from ears.
Babies emerge wailing from wombs.
The deathly ill can heal and rise from their beds.
A flower often sprouts where it was never planted.
The sound of the sea can be heard in a shell.
A mountain returns your spoken words.
Fog can be seen, but never touched,
And the moon changes shape in the night sky.
The world is full of magic
And so I allow myself to believe that somehow, some way,
Those who come after, will sense my presence, Like a voice echoing through time.
They will pause labors or pleasures and wonder
—who?
And as long as I reside in their minds and hearts, I will never truly be gone.
An Eclectic Body of Work
The Joy of Scrapbooking
Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul
Daddy Promises
(Concordia Publishing House)
Day of the Dead Crafts:
More than 24 Projects that Celebrate Dia de los Muertos
with Andrea Zocchi
(Wiley Publishing)
Other Books:
The KODAK Book of Scrapbooking Your Favorite Photos: Easy & Fun Techniques for Beautiful Scrapbook Pages with Andrea Zocch
Sweet Dreams: 5-Minute Bedtime Stories (Harcourt anthology)
+ more...
Articles have appeared in:
- Seventeen Magazine
- Woman’s Day
- Woman’s Word
- Parenting
- American Baby
- + more
Kerry's Teaching Philospohy
"I believe in the work that end-of-life midwifes offer to families and patients and believe strongly that our profession is poised to change the way we do death in America. For that to happen, people need to know about us! I am chomping at the bit for the opportunity to speak to groups in our state and around the country. Professional organizations, doctors, support organizations for those with chronic illnesses, schools, meetups, book clubs, senior centers, 55+ and retirement communities, hospitals and rehab centers, libraries, online groups…anybody and everybody who wishes to know more about our work!"
Testimonial
“I invited Kerry to speak in my psychology class and was blown away. She broaches a difficult topic with grace and humor, creating an informative and engaging environment that invites students to explore both cultural and individual beliefs around death. Students left the lecture deeply impacted which, as a teacher, is the goal of the classroom. I look forward to inviting her back every semester and would encourage anyone interested in exploring these topics to do the same!” ~ Britt Mahrer, MA, LPCC, Adjunct Professor
Past speaking engagements include:
The Chicago Mensa Convention
University of Colorado Denver
Colorado Community College
Southwest Writer’s Convention
+ more
