The Miracle of Hospice


Book Description

Truehart gives us a real inside peak at her work and the devotion and skills of those who work alongside her. But most important, she takes the scary out of hospice. She makes it clear that choosing hospice creates the best possible world for the dying and the people who love themthat terminal illness does not necessitate living every day as though it is your last. Rather hospice can create a world of possibilities for each and every day that is left to usjust like in real life. Kay Degenhardt, KDI When I was first diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma over three years ago, it had the face of my mortality on itI was blessed to come across a copy of Cathys manuscript of her lifes work in hospice [which] made me laugh while I cried, but more importantly, Cathys compassion and her patients courage gave me hope and inspiration when I needed it most. I recommend that anyoneread this! Joan Rose Ellsworth




Montana Cowboy Miracle


Book Description

This Christmas he’s confronting the past… Wyoming rancher Cade Hunt rents a room in Marietta for the month of December for one purpose—to unravel the mysteries of his past. He’s not interested in the local Christmas festivities, even though his pretty landlord Merri Bradley is more appealing than any woman he can remember. After losing her husband far too early, hospice nurse Merri has dedicated her life to caring for the grief-stricken during their final goodbyes. She loves her busy and fulfilling life and has no time for a brooding cowboy during her favorite time of year. Yet Cade is tempting, and she’s technically his hostess. But Marietta is full of Christmas magic and miracles. Soon Cade is embraced by the family he didn't know he had—a grandfather and four Wyatt cowboy cousins. For the first time in his life, Cade has a sense of belonging and the desire to set down roots if only he can convince Merri that second chances are the best chance for their own happily ever after.




Care of the Dying Patient


Book Description

Originally published as a series of articles in Missouri medicine.




Cheating Death


Book Description

An unborn baby with a fatal heart defect . . . a skier submerged for an hour in a frozen Norwegian lake . . . a comatose brain surgery patient whom doctors have declared a "vegetable." Twenty years ago all of them would have been given up for dead, with no realistic hope for survival. But today, thanks to incredible new medical advances, each of these individuals is alive and well . . . Cheating Death. In this riveting book, Dr. Sanjay Gupta-neurosurgeon, chief medical correspondent for CNN, and bestselling author-chronicles the almost unbelievable science that has made these seemingly miraculous recoveries possible. A bold new breed of doctors has achieved amazing rescues by refusing to accept that any life is irretrievably lost. Extended cardiac arrest, "brain death," not breathing for over an hour-all these conditions used to be considered inevitably fatal, but they no longer are. Today, revolutionary advances are blurring the traditional line between life and death in fascinating ways. Drawing on real-life stories and using his unprecedented access to the latest medical research, Dr. Gupta dramatically presents exciting accounts of how pioneering physicians and researchers are altering our understanding of how the human body functions when it comes to survival-and why more and more patients who once would have died are now alive. From experiments with therapeutic hypothermia to save comatose stroke or heart attack victims to lifesaving operations in utero to the study of animal hibernation to help wounded soldiers on far-off battlefields, these remarkable case histories transform and enrich all our assumptions about the true nature of death and life.




How to Preach the Miracles


Book Description

With contemporary stories and insight into ancient texts, John Sumwalt invites readers into the mystery of God's active, palpable presence in the world. When we decide to live in God's presence, we are in position to see, hear, believe, and experience the miraculous in our daily lives. Bishop Rueben P. Job Author of Living Fully, Dying Well Former editor, The Upper Room Since modern culture explains the world through scientific rationalism, there are many people in our pews who are skeptical about miracles. No matter how credible the source, our society tends to view those who speak of miracles as purveyors of superstition and magical thinking. That presents a significant problem when discussing the resurrection and the other miracles recorded in scripture -- so what can the preacher do? John Sumwalt says the answer is to "begin, like Jesus did, by telling stories of the mysterious, saving presence of God. This is the realm in which Jesus did his miracle work, a dimension of reality that is readily accessible to all who are hungry for it. Tell the miracle stories from the Bible along with those that are happening in our own time." In this fascinating volume, Sumwalt brings a storyteller's perspective to nine miracle passages in Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary. His rich biblical commentary is filled with numerous illustrations and tellable sermon stories, including over 30 contemporary accounts of miracles. In this beautifully written book, John Sumwalt shows you how to preach the miracle stories in ways that reach modern congregations. Full of warm and engaging stories, it reaches straight for the heart. This is a wonderful book that will connect you and your congregation to the scriptures in fresh ways. It's certain to warm the heart of anyone who reads it. I look forward to using it over and over again as a source for my sermons. Deacon Eddie Ensley Author of Prayer That Relieves Stress and Worry John E. Sumwalt is the lead pastor of Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church in suburban Milwaukee. A noted storyteller and seminar leader, he is the author of nine christian books, including the acclaimed Visions series (CSS). John and his wife, Jo Perry-Sumwalt, served for three years as co-editors of the online service StoryShare www.sermonsuite.com.




What Does It Feel Like to Die?


Book Description

A compassionate, honest, and illuminating look at the dying process . . . As a long-time hospice volunteer, Jennie Dear has helped countless patients, families, and caregivers cope with the many challenges of the dying process. Inspired by her own personal journey with her mother’s long-term illness, Dear demystifies the experience of dying for everyone whose lives it touches. She spoke to doctors, nurses, and caregivers, as well as families, friends, and the patients themselves. The result is a brilliantly researched, eye-opening account that combines the latest medical findings with sensitive human insights to offer real emotional support and answers to some of the questions that affect us all. Does dying hurt? A frank discussion of whether dying has to be painful—and why it sometimes is even when treatment is readily available. Is there a better way to cope with dying? Comforting stories of people who found peace in the face of death , and some of the expert methods they used for getting there. The last few hours: What does it feel like to die? Powerful glimpses from dedicated professionals into the physical experiences of people in their final moments—plus comforting words and insights from those who are there to help.




Just See Me


Book Description

Just See Me-Sacred Stories from the Other Side of Dementia will make you see dementia through the eyes of compassion and love and yet know this is just the beginning of a bigger conversation. Thirteen family caregivers teach us extraordinary lessons to Be a better caregiver. Feel inspired and encouraged. Support the caregivers you love. Appreciate each day as a splendid gift even in the midst of tragedy. Use the power of storytelling to see life in a different way. Believe in something we cannot hear, see or touch yet know to be true.




Dying to Live


Book Description

A collection of empowering stories about real people living with a terminal illness; stories that help embrace life and release fear.




Kasey to the Rescue


Book Description

This is a story of how miracles DO happen. How courage and a never-give-up spirit can emerge victorious. How an engaging little monkey helped change a family's life. Ellen Rogers considered herself something of a tragedy snob. The single mother of five believed she could weather any storm, that she could keep her family from harm with fortitude and grace. But nothing could have prepared her for the June 2005 car accident that left her son, Ned--then 22 years old--fighting for his life. Ellen refused to give in to despair. We'll get through this, she told herself. We have to. But love and determination can only go so far, and the road home was fraught with obstacles. Ellen and Ned took comfort in family and friends. And they prayed for a miracle. Miracles happen to those who believe, the saying goes, but who would have believed that one family's "miracle" would weigh in at five pounds sopping wet? Then Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled provided Ned with an affectionate and intelligent service animal with a steadfast devotion to hierarchy, a longing for "spa days," and a craving for Gummi Bears. In other words, a diva. Life with Kasey was yet another challenge for this large and lively family, but they persevered as families do, and in time this wise and sensitive animal did more than help Ned cope with his disabilities--she turned the simple tasks of life into a life worth living. Kasey's astonishing intelligence and compassion brought hope and laughter back to a family facing its greatest challenge, and helped them see the world in a new way.




Hospice Social Work


Book Description

This is the first book to explore the history, characteristics, and challenges of hospice social work, incorporating leading research into an underlying framework for practice and care. A longtime hospice social work practitioner, Dona J. Reese describes the hospice social work role in assessment and intervention with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and the community, while honestly confronting the personal and professional difficulties of such life-changing work. She introduces a well-tested model of psychosocial and spiritual variables that predict hospice client outcomes, and she advances a social work assessment tool that documents their occurrence. Operating at the center of national leaders’ coordinated efforts to develop and advance professional organizations and guidelines for end-of-life care, Reese reaches out with support and practice information, helping social workers understand their significance in treating the whole person, contributing to the cultural competence of hospice settings, and claiming a definitive place within the hospice team.