Description

"This book serves the needs of the person sitting by the bedside as much as it does the person who is lying in the bed. In it you will find gentleness and peace in the experience of death." — Marianne Williamson

In gentle, compassionate language, The Needs of the Dying helps us through the last chapter of our lives. Author David Kessler has identified key areas of concern: the need to be treated as a living human being, the need for hope, the need to express emotions, the need to participate in care, the need for honesty, the need for spirituality, and the need to be free of physical pain. Examining the physical and emotional experiences of life-challenging illnesses, Kessler provides a vocabulary for family members and for the dying that allows them to communicate with doctors, with hospital staff, and with one another, and—at a time when the right words are exceedingly difficult to find—he helps readers find a way to say good-bye. Using comforting and touching stories, he provides information to help us meet the needs of a loved one at this important time in our lives.

About the Author

David Kessler, coauthor, with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, of Life Lessons and On Grief and Grieving, has helped thousands face death with peace, dignity, and courage, including the late Anthony Perkins and Michael Landon. His services have been used by Elizabeth Taylor, Carrie Fisher, and Marianne Williamson when their loved ones faced death. He lives in Los Angeles.

Praise For…

“David Kessler was at my side as I watched my own father die. Thanks in large part to him, there was peace in the air. This book serves the needs of the person sitting by the bedside as much as it does the person who is lying in the bed. In it you will find gentleness and peace in the experience of death.” — Marianne Williamson

“It is now, fortunately, my time to face death. David Kessler is my friend and student. He carries on my work, and his book will help.” — Elisabeth Kobler-Ross, M.D

“This book is a source of reflection over that mysterious and beautiful moment which awaits us all. It helps people to understand that death is the full surrender of ourselves to love, like a falling into the arms of God. That is death—going home to God.” — Mother Teresa

“A remarkably compassionate and uplifting book. We encourage all patients and their family and friends to read the words and thoughts in David Kessler’s book.” — Rhonda Fleming Mann, Resource Center for Women with Cancer at UCLA