Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
Was I Playing God?
Healthcare Providers are Human
The Impact of Beliefs
Possible Effects of Our Actions
A Final Loving Gesture
CHAPTER TWO
Death and Dying
Dying—A Biological Imperative
Death and Dying—A Metaphysical Perspective
The Dying Process
When Does Death Occur?
Attachments and Detachments
Death, Dying, and Fear
CHAPTER THREE
Fear
Death and Dying
Pain, Suffering, and Eternal Punishment
The Unknown and Non-Existence
Will I Truly Lose Control?
What About Those We Leave Behind?
How Will I Die?
Will I Die Peacefully?
How Will Others React?
Will I Die Alone?
Have I Had a Meaningless Life?
Losing a Loved One
Losing One’s Possessions
Losing One’s Youth
CHAPTER FOUR
Grief and Bereavement
Anticipatory Grief
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
Beyond Normal Grief
Roadside Memorials
CHAPTER FIVE
Funeral Rituals and Burial Customs
The Influence of Religious and Spiritual Beliefs
Cremation—A Different Perspective
The Existence of a Spiritual Dimension
Contradictions
Burial—Why?
What is Hallowed Ground?
The Issue of Resurrection
Addressing Some Controversy
Their Favorite Song
CHAPTER SIX
Religion and End-of-Life Issues
Our Multicultural Beginning
Multiculturalism and Healthcare
Death and Dying—a Taboo Subject
Alternative Healing
Religions, Spiritual Beliefs, and Healthcare
Possible Impact of Religion on Death and Dying
CHAPTER SEVEN
Life and Death
Beyond Your Comfort Zone
We Do Not Have All the Answers
Our Spiritual Connection
It is but a Thin Veil
Near-Death Experience (NDE)
Personal Spiritual Experiences
A New Journey Begins…