The articles and books shown below are those we have found to be helpful and pertinent for end-of-life patients and or their caregivers:
Heaven
By Randy Alcorn
I recall seeing a dear elderly friend perusing the faded pages of a well-worn address book, the kind people used to keep before our electronic era made such booklets obsolete. Noticeable were names and addresses with lines drawn through them, indicative of souls passed on. As I get older, I am conscious of imaginary lines drawn through the names of a growing list of many friends and family members of my own who are now are in heaven. Soon, my name and address will be stroked out, deleted from earthly listings. And when that time comes, I hope those looking at my name and address will make a note that simply reads, “Moved!”
It was these thoughts that prompted a personal investigation into heaven. Since we’ll be there for eternity it seemed like a good idea to find out as much as I could about the place. Thus, Randy Alcorn’s treatise on Heaven has proven to be a well-researched treasure trove of biblical truth coupled with tantalizing and thought-provoking questions and answers. My wife and I took turns reading it out loud together over a number of months, savoring bite-sized pieces and slowly digesting its morsels. The exercise has been soul-feeding—encouraging. Heaven, I must say, gets more attractive by the day!
Heaven, by Randy Alcorn, is therefore recommended to every believer in Jesus Christ, especially those who have recently lost a loved one.
Available at Christian Books
Good Grief
By Granger E. Westberg
A Companion For Every Loss
Offering timeless wisdom for all who’ve lost loved ones, Westberg’s classic guide leads you through 10 stages of grief: shock, emotion, depression, physical distress, panic, guilt, anger, resistance, hope, and, finally, acceptance. His gentle concern and acute insight will help you follow a path through small losses and overwhelming experiences. Includes Scripture verses and reflection questions. 91 pages, softcover from Fortress Press.
Available At Christian Books
For Thou Art With Me
By Bruce A. Baker, PhD
Biblical Help for the Terminally Ill and Those Who Love Them
Everyone comes to a time when someone they love is facing the end of his or her life. Without a doubt, many thoughts and emotions are dealt with during this time, both for the person with the illness as well as their caregivers and loved ones. The counsel in this book provides hope and help.
Receiving a diagnosis of a terminal illness causes many people to go into a tailspin of despair and depression. This is rarely considered a gift, but that is exactly what Baker conveys using his own experience and the truths of the Bible. With gentleness and candor, he explores the universal questions of why me, why now, and why this.
Available at Christianbook
A Different Season – The Hospice Journey
By G. Leigh Wilkerson, RN
As family and friends of loved ones preparing for end of life, hospice is often an unknown, scary concept. We can greatly help them and ourselves by resourcing materials such as this practical 32-page booklet by G. Leigh Wilkerson, writer, poet and hospice RN.
Is it time for hospice? Are we giving up? What is comfort care? What about pain control? Should I call family and tell them to come? How can I make this season of life meaningful for my loved one and memorable for me?
These questions and more are answered clearly and gently. Written for families accompanying a loved one through this season of life that is both challenging and meaningful.
“While we can’t live without experiencing loss of some kind, we can choose our focus.”
Available at Compassion Books