By Forris Day JR
There is a cliché expression that says “All good things must come to an end”. It is quite simply a fact. A book, a TV show, a warm Summer day and life itself all end whether we like it or not. We can accept some endings more easily than others but end of life seems to be the toughie for most of us. We all have watched a loved one die. We all have lost friends and family. Some quickly and unexpectedly while others have passed slowly perhaps enduring pain and suffering. Simply put; we tend to think that death happens to others but not us. We as humans can say “I know that I am going to die” but we do not acknowledge the reality of the statement. We will die.
Dying is a scary thought for most people. Have you ever really contemplated your own death? Have you ever been a caregiver for a person who has died? Are you now a caregiver to someone who is passing on? Are you personally in the final stages of life? Anyone who is aware that they are nearing death or are helping someone who is at the final stage of life will feel more empowered by reading the book “The Divine Art of Dying” by Karen Speerstra and Herbert Anderson. On second thought I stand corrected: ANYONE who is going to die will feel more empowered by reading “The Divine Art of Dying”. Yes, I mean you.
The book is written around author Keren Speerstra’s Hospice Journal. We walk with Karen as she documents her final months of life and learn through her writings about that final journey we will all eventually take. It certainly put things into perspective for me. I walked away with a new appreciation for things I take for granted, such as the everyday simple things I do that become harder if not impossible as we as humans near the end. I appreciate my family and friends more. I appreciate dandelions more.
Co-author Herbert Anderson offers illuminating thoughts and insight, and shares touching stories about his co-author and friend, Karen. Karen tells us what she is enduring while Herbert teaches us what a dying person may want or need from a caregiver. This aspect of the book is invaluable for caregivers but this book is more than that. It is a book that reminds us to live. Live and enjoy every moment even when you know that you are dying. After all living is what we all want to do and Karen Speerastra teaches us the importance of doing just that, even to the end. She teaches us that once we accept our own mortality, it is only then that we can truly be free to enjoy our life without fear.
I recommend this book to anyone who needs solace while dealing with a loved one who may be in the final years, months or days of life. I feel anyone who works for Hospice or perhaps a hospital where death is an everyday occurrence will glean knowledge that can help them help others. I know I am humbled and less afraid of the inevitable after having read “The Divine Art of Dying”.
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8/10 -“Live well while dying”
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