The Divine Art of Dying

September 22, 2014
In this courageous and welcome addition to the end-of-life genre, Speerstra (Colors: The Language of Light) and Anderson (Mutuality Matters: Family, Faith, and Just Love) collaborate to produce an intellectually rich and passionately intimate exploration of dying. In four sections, "Taking the Turn toward Death", "Orienting toward Death", "Living Until We Die", and "Dying into Life," the authors trace the spiritual path that begins when someone decides to enter hospice care. Chapters begin with selections from Karen's Hospice Journal, written in a personable, reflective tone that invites readers to walk alongside Speerstra during the final stages of her life journey: "As time goes on, increased dosages of morphine have become a trustworthy companion to dull the pain and make sleep possible. But I continue to want to be awake during those precious last moments." Reflections from her family members and friends augment her story, and Anderson offers insightful theological reflections: "The nearness of death heightens our awareness of ordinary moments as bearers of grace." Bite-sized practical tips under the rubric "From the Caregivers Handbook" close each chapter. A valuable resource; this books brims with wisdom and grace.