Product Description

Named a Best Book of 2016 by Real Simple and Southern Living

"Illuminating?? unflinching and ultimately inspiring... A book to treasure.????People Magazine

"poetic and philosophical and brave and uplifting meditation on how important it is to make peace and meaning of our lives while we still have them.?? --Elizabeth Gilbert?? bestselling author ofEat Pray Love

A hospice chaplain passes on wisdom on giving meaning to life?? from those taking leave of it.

As a hospice chaplain?? Kerry Egan didn??t offer sermons or prayers?? unless they were requested; in fact?? she found?? the dying rarely want to talk about God?? at least not overtly. Instead?? she discovered she??d been granted an invaluable chance to witness firsthand what she calls the ??spiritual work of dying???the work of finding or making meaning of one??s life?? the experiences it??s contained and the people who have touched it?? the betrayals?? wounds?? unfinished business?? and unrealized dreams. Instead of talking?? she mainly listened: to stories of hope and regret?? shame and pride?? mystery and revelation and secrets held too long. Most of all?? though?? she listened as her patients talked about love?love for their children and partners