On Angel's Eve Making the Most of Your Final Time Together Garnette Arledge

ISBN: 0-7570-0083-5 Length: 256 Pages Size: 6 X 9-inch Format: Quality Paperback Category: Psychology / Counseling Price: $14.95 Availability: In print   Contents Reviews

A growing number of people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of saying, "I love you" and "good-bye" to those on the threshold of death. It is a poignant, powerful time. As human beings, we are all fragile, and the fear of dying is something everyone shares. When we face death, we face an uphill climb to conquer this fear, but it is a journey that can be made successfully, especially with the support of those we love.

As a hospice chaplain and spiritual mentor, Garnette Arledge has helped hundreds of people through this time of approaching death, which she refers to as "Angel's Eve." It is a time in which the anxiety and fear of dying is replaced with the calming presence of "Angels"--the children, siblings, parents, partners, and dear friends who help fill last moments together with remembrances, reconciliation, and even forgiveness. On Angel's Eve is a guidebook for these comforters of the dying. Through her hands-on involvement and the knowledge gained from world traditions on death and dying, Arledge shares the tools and skills that help make this a time of happiness and fulfillment rather than one of fear and anxiety. In addition to helping alter negative views of death, she offers practical suggestions for passing bedside time together with activities such as administering therapeutic massage, having taped conversations, relaxing through breathing techniques, and using laughter to lift spirits. On Angel's Eve is designed to replace the final moments belonging in myth to the Grim Reaper with the blessing of a gathering of Angels.

Let the eve of death be angelic, bright, full of caring. Believing that one's final moments are in the hands of the Angels opens up new vistas. When someone you love begins that last journey, you'll want to be one of those Angels. On Angel's Eve, with its message of hope, helps show you how.

Garnette Arledge received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Divinity degree from Drew Theological School. A spiritual director specializing in death and dying education, Garnette is a professional writer and columnist, as well as an experienced Hospice Chaplain. An active lecturer and educator, Garnette chaired the New Jersey Coalition for On Our Own Terms--a Bill Moyer's PBS special on dying.

Contents

Introduction

Reviews

"Interactive activities, interviews with relevant experts, and poetry provide a useful framework for working through this emotionally charged topic. Recommended."

Library Journal, Sept. 1, 2004

"A new, authoritative guidebook to caring for the dying."

Healthy Living, Spring/Summer 2004

"If you know someone, or you are someone, who is struggling with the dying of a parent, friend, spouse, or child, this book could be a gift of support."

Sacred Journey Magazine, May 2004

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