Dying to Live: Embracing The Journey

Joanne Harvey, MSW
AuthorHouse (2010)
ISBN 9781452047508
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (09/10)

 

Let’s face it - many of us are scared to die. None of us want to die in pain or not have loved ones around us when our time comes. But what is the scariest is the unknown. We don’t talk about death, or ask what a person needs in the end of life.

What Ms. Harvey has given readers is a beautiful collection of stories about individuals who are dying and have no idea what to expect until patient advocates from hospice come to help them. Many cannot afford the expensive medications or hospital equipment so they live in pain and discomfort. Yet hospice is a wonderful organization that makes the end of life less painful and provides unconditional support for all family members.

These stories will make you cry and in some cases be mad at the families for not doing more. Yet through education and asking what the individual wants, it can be a very peaceful time. One thing this book did is reaffirm my belief that we all need to talk about our wishes and what we want to happen. Hospice doesn’t mean giving up, it means going in peace and knowing you did the best you could while on earth.

This book explains the dying process and provides numerous resources where one can get more information. “Dying to Live” is written with love and compassion.

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