Dying Well
Dying Well
We cannot choreograph our own death, but we can die well. This is a book for those who are facing death. It is also for their relatives, friends and carers. John Wyatt looks at recent trends in dying. He examines the 'art of dying', a Christian tradition from the past. We see opportunities for dying well and faithfully, real-world examples of personal growth and instances of reconciliation and personal healing in relationships. On the other hand, there are also challenges to face: the fears and temptations that dying can bring. We learn from Jesus' example as we focus on his words from the cross. The wonderful news is that we can look forward to 'a sure and steadfast hope', the amazing hope of resurrection and its implications for our lives today.
Dying Well was the book I chose for our Book Group to review. It was not well accepted initially by the members who are all in their 3rd Age of life. I guess the title was a bit confronting, however it created great discussion and enabled people to share their fears and expectations. All agreed that they were pleased that they read it and gave them an insight in the way to handle the dying process as friends, family and carers. We need to acknowledge the dying process and express our fears, needs and expectations with those close to us, and for others to allow the dying person to be able to talk about death even though it is painful for them to hear and acknowledge that our loved ones will be leaving us all eventually and we will also be leaving them.
Death is just another stage of life and we should prepare for it just as we prepare for other rights of passage eg Graduation, Marriage, Parenthood and Retirement amongst others. Putting in place all the legal framework for your family makes the loss so much less painful and stressful as they deal with these issues at the very hardest time when they are grieving. The process will be so much easier for them and it will also bring peace to those who are dying knowing that everything is in order.
I thoroughly recommend this book to everyone, not just those facing the end of this earthly existence.