"All that's going on down here -- this thing we call life -- is a great book already written for each of us. All we have to do in order to realize happiness, which is our natural state, is to turn our plans over to the Great Author of our story and say, 'All right then, whoever and whatever you are. I'll be your main character. Just give me the grace and an overflowing supply of courage to hear your words. Because it's not easy, you know, to walk along a path that stretches out farther than I can see.'" (p. 3)
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from Chapter One:
Why Tell it Now?
This is not a book I want to write.
In fact, I have been putting this writing off for more than two years. Maybe before now, I was too afraid. Or angry. Or sad. Or doubtful. Or something that goes along with being in a chapter of my life in which I have little control. I chapter I never anticipated. Or asked for. Or wanted. . . .
But now feels like the right time to put fear aside and write the truth as best as I can. Why now? Because I believe I've come to new truths about pain and suffering that make sense to me. These insights have also made my heart feel lighter, more hopeful instead of feeling dark and empty. To be honest, though, the thought of exposing beliefs both personal and spiritual frightens me down to my ever-tingling toes.
I am a private person. I am also no theologian. As far as religions and mysteries outside of this physical world go, I feel people have the right to believe whatever they choose. There may be one mountaintop, but there are, as the wise among us say, many pathways to get there. . . .
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"As long as hospice as been around, so many people still have no idea as to what we do or who we are. They hear the word 'hospice' and are suddenly stricken with fear. They also wonder: 'How can anyone work with people who are dying? Isn't it so depressing? Isn't it so sad?' On the contrary. As the stories in this book reveal, being a member of the hospice family is a deep and dear privilege. Although we are individuals with different beliefs, attitudes, and personalities, we are all united in one mission: To offer comfort, peace, and support to those facing death, including patients, families, and friends."
Lorraine Lordi, Introduction
"I've learned that people die as they've lived. If you've had an open, close life with family and friends, then you're going to be that way when you face death." Kristin Rickert, Hospice Social Worker
No matter what your age or experience, when you lose someone you love, you don't get over it. But you can go on in remarkable ways and learn that even though that one seat at tge table was empty, in time, love will come along to fill its place." Pam Clark Gatcomb, Hospice Child Advocate
"While we're here, we need to pay attention to what's happening here and now. Not to put things off. It's not easy, but the goal is to be real. To be authentic. Doug Currie, Hospice Volunteer
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