Parting

A Handbook for Spiritual Care Near the End of Life

By Jennifer Sutton Holder, Jann Aldredge-Clanton

Published in association with the Foundation for End-of-Life Care and the P. L. Dodge Foundation

80 pp., 5 x 7.5

Not for sale in Canada

  • Paperback ISBN: 978-0-8078-5529-4
    Published: March 2004
  • E-book EPUB ISBN: 978-0-8078-6769-3
    Published: November 2009
  • E-book PDF ISBN: 979-8-8908-7843-4
    Published: November 2009

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Awards & distinctions

A 2005 Best of the Best from University Presses selection by a panel of public and academic librarians for the Association of American University Presses

At times we may be called to be companions on a journey we would rather not take--the journey of a loved one toward the end of life. For those who choose to serve as close companions of terminally ill relatives or friends, Parting offers the collective wisdom of people from many cultures and faith traditions as a "travel guide" for meaningful companionship--helping someone toward a peaceful transition from this life. Sections of the book discuss how to cross the bridge from ordinary conversation to spiritual reflection; how to provide comforts for the body, mind, and soul; and how to care for yourself while concentrating on the needs of another. Transcending any specific religion or culture, this handbook addresses universal spiritual needs.

Designed for easy reading by weary travelers, this practical, pocket-sized guide prepares the spiritual companion for an enriching experience, even on the journey toward life's end. It is an indispensable tool for family members and friends, hospice workers, religious leaders, counselors, and medical providers.

Published in association with the Foundation for End-of-Life Care and the P. L. Dodge Foundation

About the Authors

Jennifer Sutton Holder is geriatrics chaplain at Baylor University Medical Center and serves as clergy in the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas.
For more information about Jennifer Sutton Holder, visit the Author Page.

Jann Aldredge-Clanton serves as chaplain coordinator for oncology at Baylor University Medical Center. She is author of Counseling People with Cancer.
For more information about Jann Aldredge-Clanton, visit the Author Page.

Reviews

"Why are we here? How can we understand and find meaning in suffering? What is death, and what happens after death? . . . [This volume] serves as a practical guide to how people who are dying tend to approach these questions and how their friends and family may act as companions to accompany them on this final journey."--Larry R. Churchill, from the Introduction

“This is an excellent book. Clinical Pastoral Education supervisors and pastoral care teachers will want to use it as a resource for teaching about how to spiritually companion persons who are facing end of life decisions and a terminal illness. It is both very compassionate and clearly written. The clinical vignettes serve to strengthen the theory in very touching ways.”--Wayne Robinson, Associate Director for Clinical Pastoral Education, UNC Hospitals