Shining Moments: Finding Hope in Facing Death

Death is the last chapter in everyone's life story, and while we would rather not dwell on it, we're often hungry for insights and information that will comfort us and calm our fears. In Shining Moments: Finding Hope in Facing Death, Georgia Weithe provides an intellectual rationale for the importance of coming to terms with death, an emotional glimpse into what it is like to sit vigil while someone we love is dying, and spiritual directions for how to create an atmosphere of comfort and safety to support the dying person and help them let go. The book shines a positive light on death to help us accept its presence in our lives. It offers readers the hopeful message that when we have found the key to living with the knowledge of our own death, the door to inner peace and the hope of fulfilling our true purpose on earth is opened. Shining Moments is a valuable resource for all who have an intellectual curiosity about death, for friends and family members of loved ones who are in the final stage of life, and for Hospice and other end-of-life care professionals who assist them with their journey. EXCERPT Death's Gift:We take much for granted in life, because we assume there will always be another day to pay attention to the beauty around us, or to alter or elevate the quality of our relationships with those we love. The illusion that life on earth never ends allows us to pretend we can continue as we are forever. The gift that death has to offer is the awareness that all pleasure is finite, all beauty is transient, as well as the knowledge that we will not be here forever to work through our problems with others. So acknowledge the presence of those you love, and let go of life in the sweetest way you know how. Live your life so you have no regrets. Honor your spouse or partner, your children, your friends. Never resort to violent acts or bring ruthless thoughts into the realm of your being. Draw down the love in every situation and replace vengeance with peaceful, loving vibrations. Admit to yourself that life is fleeting and all things as we know them will come to an end. Out of the awareness of the endings, create new beginnings.