This book was received from LibraryThing under the Members Giveaway program. While acknowledging the reluctance of many people to discuss death, this book can assist people to face the reality of the complex emotions that are present during the final stages of life.

We must recognize that when our loved ones have been in a serious accident or suffered a fatal disease or condition, we may become their caregivers and must prepare ourselves for the probable outcome of their death. During this stage we must prepare ourselves to say goodbye to our loved ones and support them in their final transition.

The authors detail these stages from the time of diagnosis, through care giving, to being present when our loved one dies, and to the final interment. Great suggestions for handling situations are the funeral; grieving, how to be compassionate, and finally to moving on.

At the back of the both, there is a valuable discussion guide to be used for a group discussion. More books should be written about this subject matter.

Because I liked this book so much, I donated it to the Suncoast Hospice Library of Pinellas County, Florida to be made available to patients, caregivers, friends, and families. As a hospice volunteer, I know this book has great advice to share. This is an excellent book to prepare you for life’s final stages. ( )

Really enjoyed this book. I had a friend commit suicide years ago and lost two grandpas and two friends who were way too young in the last decade. I had suffered from depression, guilt, and anxiety for years because of it...and reading this really gave me a chance to mourn, find some hope, and begin moving on with my life. It really did help me say goodbye, which I needed. ( )

This is a wonderful book and was a pleasure to read. The authors have given a helpful volume to address something difficult that all of us will face at least once in life - the death of a loved one. The book is filled with stories of how others have faced this difficult time on their lives and helps to show how such a time can be faced with dignity when it comes along.

I would recommend that this book be read before the inevitable happens. I found that it has helped me to understand and be more prepared for such a time when it will happen in my life. I found it hard to put down once I started reading it and I think that it was the many stories, often with a hint of humour, that made this such a great book to read. ( )

This book is aimed at the emotional lives of people who are facing End-of-Life issues and the entering the grieving process. The book offers short suggestions, stories interspersed throughout, which illustrate how others may have reacted or found fulfillment during these critical moments when loss of a loved one occurs. The basic motif is to feel free to ask questions during the process or at least talk (by phone) about what one is feeling emotionally. The book is aimed partly at general care-givers (i.e. family members) but in the main at health care professionals to enhance their skills at being a compassionate presence to the grieving or about to grieve. The book requires some time to reflect on the particular message of the short narratives. To be most effective, the book probably needs to be read prior to becoming a care-giver or while the health care professional is actually working. Time being of great worth, this will probably not happen among health care professionals. Nevertheless, it could be used in a timely way for caregivers as sections are conveniently broken down into the various stages at the end-of-life. The book, which is recommendable, would most likely become a volume on the reference shelf to be browsed when needed. If a class were being offered, this could be an excellent recommended text. Most literature on the subject of end-of-life issues originates from pastoral care ministry for the sick and dying (church & synagogue based) or from crisis management sectors (clinical social workers). This book has a clinical outlook but eagerly embraces multiple sources from outside of clinical environments as well. The publisher produces medical textbooks for students. This book is an excellent example of observational training and communication skills during End-of-Life moments. Discussion guide, list of resources, index, 210 pages. ( )

While death is inevitable, many of us fail to contemplate this Universal experience with much beyond fear and denial. This very necessary and helpful book brings gently home a better way; to be fully present and participatory in the final journey of our loved one on Earth is a gift not only to them but to our grieving selves. Both anecdotal and instructive, I would recommend this book not only for hospice workers, but for everyone approaching or immersed in this Life experience we all will have. ( )