I believe one of the hardest topics to talk about, but one of the most critical ones, is the adversity of death and dying. In order to talk about it you must be able to face your own mortality, to view death as another stage of your life and appreciate the value of the gift of living. Life and death have infinite variety; there are no "norms." There is no right or wrong way to think, feel or act and there are no checklists and rules. According to Elizabeth Kübler-Ross' book on 'Death and Dying' the grief cycle generally consists of denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. However, fear and needs are unique to the individual who is dying and their loved ones. The most precious gift you can give the dying is the gift of listening and respecting their last wishes. Here are a few of the fears that the dying face:

• Fear of the process of dying
• Fear of the loss of control
• Fear for their loved ones
• Fear that they will be alone when they die
• Fear that they won't be able to share their emotions with their loved ones
• Fear that their life was meaningless
• Fear of the unknown

I was blessed to be a Hospice volunteer for many years and have been very close to some of the families before and after their loved one died. When the doctor has advised you that your loved one has less than six-months to live, please get the Hospice involved as soon as possible--they will be a wonderful asset to you, your family and especially your loved one who is dying. The Hospice philosophy of care is: "Terminally ill patients deserve the best possible palliative care, and both patients and families deserve the best possible supportive care to relieve, physical, emotional, spiritual and social pain and suffering."  

There is no doubt that our lives here on Earth will end, but I choose to believe that there is life after death and the visions that are seen by people before they die or by people who have near death experiences are amazing to listen to or read about.  Are the visions they see from the other side? Is it possible to have one foot here on Earth and the other foot in heaven? I believe that you can. There are so many stories from people before they die seeing loved ones that have died before them coming to help them cross over. There are even stories from children that talk of a grandparent being in the room holding out their hand and wanting the child to come with them. It's so comforting to think that we will not be alone when we are faced with death.  I have heard many stories, read many books and have had the privilege of being in a room with a few patients when they were experiencing glimpses of the other side and it brought tears to my eyes. My grandmother spoke of beautiful music and angels in the room before she passed on. A hospice patient of mine was reaching out to someone that could not be seen minutes before she died. Another one of my Hospice patients was talking to someone, that I could not see, and smiling before he died. Mourning is an important part of healing, but don't forget to celebrate the life of your loved one that has died for they are now your guardian angel watching over you and are no longer hurting and are at peace and with the Lord our God.  This week instead of just my usual You Tube videos, I'd like to share some stories with you from people who have either died or have had near death experiences, so please visit the "Weekly Messages" page and read some inspirational stories that may help you understand that the cocoon that our soul is in gets worn out and our soul has to be released and transformed. Like a caterpillar we emerge from our cocoon and become a butterfly.

You never know when you or a loved one will be called to come home to be with our Lord.  Have you written a living will; do your loved ones know your last wishes; are your affairs in order; have you forgiven those that have hurt you or have you asked for forgiveness from others; are you prepared, as much as we can be, to die? I invite you to read stories from people who have had near death experiences or stories from people who wrote about their loved ones that had visions before they died. Perhaps it will make it a little easier for you to let go of your pain and know that one day you will see them again and what a wonderful celebration that will be. Perhaps it will help you prepare for your own death so your loved ones will be spared the burden of doing this while they are mourning the loss of someone they loved. This week we are focusing on "Death and Dying." A little glimpse can be found on This Weeks Inspiration, Weekly Messages and Listening to God pages @ http://www.journeythroughadversities.com/.