Norine Dresser

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.… (más)

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.… (más)