Parting: A Handbook for Spiritual Care Near the End of Life

by Holder, Jennifer Sutton

• ISBN13: 9780807855294
• ISBN10: 0807855294
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-03-01
• Publisher: UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA PRESS

Summary

For those who choose to serve as close companions of terminally ill relatives or friends, "Parting" offers the collective wisdom of people from many cultures and faith traditions as a "travel guide" for meaningful companionship--helping someone toward a peaceful transition from this life.

Table of Contents

Foreword by J. Richard Williams, M.D.	ix
Acknowledgments	xi
Introduction by Larry R. Churchill, Ph.D.	xiii
1 Setting Out	1	(7)
Offering Spiritual Companionship	2	(1)
Itineraries: Stops on Spiritual Journeys	3	(3)
Two Levels of Needs: Physical and Spiritual	6	(2)
2 A Personal Journey	8	(14)
Companions Welcome	8	(1)
Packing for the Road Ahead	9	(9)
Presence	10	(1)
Listening	10	(1)
Acceptance	10	(1)
Candor	11	(1)
Patience	11	(2)
Advocacy	13	(1)
Humor	14	(1)
Courage	14	(1)
Dependability	15	(1)
Hope	15	(1)
Creativity	15	(1)
Sensitivity	16	(1)
Curiosity	17	(1)
Time	17	(1)
Crossing the Bridge	18	(4)
Coming Closer	18	(1)
Spiritual Conversation Starters	18	(4)
3 Spiritual Scenery	22	(10)
Life Review	23	(3)
Journaling	24	(1)
Artistry	24	(1)
Ethical Wills	25	(1)
"I've Always Wanted to... "	25	(1)
Reunions and Gatherings	26	(1)
Rituals	27	(2)
Personal Rituals	28	(1)
Centering Prayer	28	(1)
Simple Rituals	29	(1)
Ceremonies	29	(3)
4 For Weary Travelers	32	(18)
Comforts for the Dying	32	(18)
Touch	33	(3)
The Furry Touch	33	(1)
Tips for Touching	34	(2)
Sight	36	(2)
In the Looking Glass	37	(1)
Guided Imagery	37	(1)
Sound	38	(2)
Speech	38	(1)
Music	39	(1)
Taste and Smell	40	(2)
Flavors	40	(1)
Aromas	41	(1)
Comfort from a Distance	42	(1)
Companion Comforts	43	(4)
Accepting Limits	43	(1)
Mini-Breaks	43	(1)
Food and Exercise	44	(1)
Sharing the Burden	44	(1)
Accepting Help	44	(1)
Utilizing Volunteers	45	(1)
Professional Help	46	(1)
Giving and Receiving Care	46	(1)
Guilt and Resentment	46	(1)
Realistic Expectations	47	(1)
Easing Up	47	(1)
Honesty	47	(1)
Trouble along the Road	47	(3)
5 Parting Ways	50	(13)
Unpacking Life's Baggage	50	(1)
Giving Permission to Go	51	(1)
Reconciliation	52	(1)
Holy Silence	53	(2)
Suspending Disbelief	55	(1)
Letting Go	56	(1)
Saying Goodbye	57	(1)
Love and Tears	57	(1)
A Child's Goodbye	58	(1)
Dying Alone	58	(1)
Safe Passage	58	(1)
A Sacred Journey	59	(4)
Unpredictable Timing	59	(4)
Comforting Arms 6i
6 Coming Home	63