Dying In God's Hands by Camille Pavy Claibourne
Dying In God's Hands is a book about dying and death, and about what we learn from the terminally ill. It is intended to provide fresh insights into the hearts and minds of the dying and to provide solace and comfort to people who are dealing with the loss of a loved one, whether in the immediate future or in the recent past. Part I is based on interviews with 12 Hospice patients in which they share their hopes, strengths, anxieties, frustrations and needs. Dying people see life with clarity. They have the unique ability of enjoying each moment as if it were their last, the author writes in the introduction. She adds that the sacredness of life is among the profound lessons we learn from the dying. Several interviews provide testimony that a deep and abiding faith in God is the greatest strength of those facing imminent death. While exploring and illuminating the natural process of dying, the author consequently touches on the outer edges of the supernatural. The reader can practically feel the patients longing for reunion with God the universal and ultimate aspiration of the soul. Part II of the book discusses 8 topics that represent shared bonds and experiences common denominators of those who are terminally ill. Part III features prayers and inspirational writings rooted in various religious traditions: Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Bah and non-denominational.