Responses from readers

A Guidebook to the Process of Dying

My sister just died of cancer and spent her last 2 months in hospice care. This book served as my guidebook through the process, taught me how to let my sister go with peace and love and left me in a better state of mind afterwards. It seemed that each time I picked it up, I was at the exact chapter I needed at the time. The chapter where she writes from the viewpoint of the dying person is worth the cost of the book alone! It gave me so much insight into what my sister must be going through and helped to frame all of the rest of my time with her...

--Amazon.com reader from Oakland, California (read the full review at Amazon.com)

Map giving practical direction

Dear Christine, My husband Gary has been very sick and has just undergone a liver transplant. I wanted to let you know how helpful it has been for me during this difficult time to have been fortunate enough to have attended some of your workshops and read your book. It is one thing to attend a workshop or read a book out of interest but to actually apply the knowledge to a living or dying situation is something else. Yes, it really does work.

Your book has been like a map helping to give direction in practical ways such as sorting out legal affairs, making clear arrangements for when a loved one dies and dealing with unfinished business. Also giving spiritual practices such as phowa and tonglen and of course remembering to care for the carers. It has been a steep learning curve for me.

Gary came very close to dying but a successful liver transplant has meant he is now getting better and regaining his strength. It is like a new life. Once again thanks for sharing your experiences and focusing your work on caring for the sick and dying. It has been an inspiration for me.

--Nicki Sheils