This is a short, pithy, well-written and extremely readable little book. It will be cherished by anyone faced with caring for a loved one through the final days of a lingering death.

Lois Kelly, oldest child of Bette, takes over the week day watch at her mother's side, as Bette slowly faces death from lung and brain cancer. Trying to respect her mother's wishes, while dealing with well meaning, and well wishing neighbors friends and relatives, provides the basis for the advice given in here.

Written as 50 short lessons to be learned, it is "...a caregiver's adventure guide based on my wild, wondrous and life changing journey helping my mother die at home."

Kelly tells us that "...this book will help you navigate the adventure and become a compassionate, crazy-good caregiver, one of the most courageous jobs you never wanted."

The title refers to those styrofoam tubes swimmers use to support themselves in the water....it helps them stay afloat while they still retain use of their arms and legs. Her mother loved to swim, and always disdained using noodles. In the end, both mother and daughter recognized the beauty in letting Lois 'be the noodle.'

It's not depressing at all. It is cheerful, uplifting and inspiring. Highly recommended for anyone in a care giving situation, or as a gift for someone you know who is a loving caregiver. ( )