A compassionate guide that will enrich the spirit of all those who journey with the dying.

Embracing the End of Life offers caregivers practical tools and guidance to ensure that the journey through aging and the end of life is dignified.

Equally helpful for family members or health care providers, Embracing the End of Life is filled with inspirational stories. It explores important issues including loss, suffering and spiritual care, while considering aspects of dying well, caring well and grief.

Questions provided in the book help caregivers examine their own beliefs about dying so they can help others who face these difficult issues.

Embracing the End of Life is a valuable tool for understanding the special needs of those in the final stage of their lifeʼs journey, and assisting them to live life as fully as possible until they breathe their last.

Michelle OʼRourke, a Registered Nurse for more than thirty years, is the author of Befriending Death: Henri Nouwen and a Spirituality of Dying. Currently she works in the ER at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and coordinates the Foundations in Parish Nursing education program for the Institute of Catholic Formation at St. Peterʼs Seminary in London, Ontario.

Eugene Dufour is a clinically trained therapist and international speaker on the topics of compassion fatigue, critical incident stress debriefing, bereavement, hospice palliative care and pastoral care. The former Executive Director of the Bereavement Ontario Network, he currently works as a therapist with the Star Family Health Team in Stratford, Ontario.

"This book is a wonderful gift. The focus on gentle but straightforward approaches to issues relevant to death and dying is refreshing. I would highly recommend this book to clinicians, volunteers and anyone who walks with another person in their journey of terminal illness."
    - Darcy Harris, PhD, FT, Thanatology Coordinator, King’s University College, London, Ontario

"A vital contribution to both the living and the dying."
    - Eunice Gorman, RN, PhD, RSW and Laura Lewis, PhD, RS W, from the Foreword

"The authors' voices speak from the pages! Their thoughts on 'being with' and 'companioning' illustrate much grace and respect. A wonderful, practical approach to providing spiritual support."
    - Kath Murray, RN, MA, Certified Hospice Palliative Care Nurse (Canada), Founder and Director, Life and Death Matters

"A fabulous resource. I look forward to keeping copies with me as I care for my palliative clients. I know I will reach for it as often as I reach for my pain and symptom management guidebooks."
    - MaryBeth Cadotte, RN, Palliative Resource Nurse, Chatham, Ontario

"Addresses all key issues and emotions faced at the end of life. Readers will relate easily to this difficult topic."
    - Sherri Auger, President of Caring Matt ers and co-auth or of Now What? A Practical Guide to Dealing with Aging , Illness and Dying (Novalis)