Introduction

This book resulted from the requests of familycare givers for a talk about death and dying. They were losing a loved and wanted to know what to expect.

As nurse practitioner I gained insights from Oncology Nurses, Hospice Nurses and Critical Care Nurses on how to help terminal patients obtain the most out of their remaining time. I went from a fear of talking with those dying, to feeling blessed to share this intimate time with them.

After 41 years of nursing, research and lecturing on this subject I began to understand, as I applied my own suffering from a disabling illness, the comfort available from the Communion of Saints. Especially from those who said yes to God's request they suffer and join this suffering to that of His Son to help other souls, out of love for Him.

Through my experiences with loved ones, patients and myself, I found tremendous help in turning to the Bible and the writings of Saints.

This book is a blending of spiritual hope & frank facts regarding suffering & dying that it is my prayer will bring strength to patients & caregivers, be they physicians, nurses, aides or family.