Embracing the End of Life

Help for Those Who Accompany the Dying

Youthfulness is the criterion by which all in life is measured, and yet death is unavoidable and our journey to the next life inescapable. Embracing the End of Life tackles the topic of dying with candor and thoughtfulness while paying special care to the spiritual well-being of all those who must deal with these issues. With over 50 years combined experience of pastoral and lay ministry, nursing, hospice care and counseling between them, Michelle O’Rourke and Eugene Dufour provide an exceptional book that addresses the questions that surround end-of-life illnesses, aging, dying well and dignity at the end of life. Whether working in hospice or palliative care, as a doctor or social worker, or as a priest, parishioner or family member helping a loved one face the end of life, examining your own beliefs regarding death and dying will better prepare you to help those in your care. Full of inspirational true stories from their own professional experiences, this book will challenge your perspective on end of life care. Reflection questions will help you explore your own perceptions and understanding of topics such as befriending death, suffering, loss, spiritual care, grief, forgiveness and anger. Exploring your “inner landscape” is a necessity for all and this book will help guide you through the steps, spiritual processes and questions of embracing and befriending your own mortality so that you can help those around you do the same. Embracing the End of Life is an indispensable guide to walking with those who are journeying towards the end of life. It will enable you to help create a dignified, peaceful and spiritually complete environment for those in the last stage of their life and to empower them to embrace the end of life with love, forgiveness and respect.