Time to Talk about Dying

Acknowledgements. Introduction. 1. Addressing the Existential Issues that Terrify Us All. 2. The Importance of Meaning at the End of Life. 3. What is a Soul Legacy. 4. Connecting with Your Soul. 5. Connecting with Your Story. 6. Connecting with the Sacred. 7. Connecting with Others, Part 1: Forgiveness. 8. Connecting with Others, Part 2: Blessing. 9. Connecting with Mortality. 10. The Soul Legacy Seminar. Epilogue: So What Have I Learned? Appendix A: Suggestions for Group Study. Appendix B: Soul Print Exercise. Appendix C: Story Telling Exercise. Appendix D: Meditation on the Divine Connection. Appendix E: Blessing Exercise. Appendix F: End-of-Life Spiritual Care: FAQs. References.

In this book, Fred Grewe shares rich stories from his work as a hospice chaplain about the experiences of his patients and their loved ones as they grapple with the spiritual challenges that accompany dying. While contemplating our death can lead to a fuller life, Grewe's stories show that waning time and energy prevent some patients from engaging these important tasks. The Soul Legacy Seminars he describes give senior adults an opportunity to focus on the important lessons we can learn from our mortality. Grewe is a wise spiritual guide, and his book will enrich the care that chaplains and clergy provide for all of us, who by choice or necessity contemplate our final days.