Monday, September 13, 2010

Book of the Week: Dying Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me


Author: William E. Hablitzel, M.D.
Publisher: Sunshine Ridge Publishing, 2006

Dr. Hablitzel, a primary care physician, writes a compelling book about his encounters with dying patients and what he learned from them. From Alex, who suffered a cardiac arrest at the entrance to the ER; to Karl, a workaholic whose disease taught him the value of stopping to smell the roses; to Erin, a nurse whose concern for others brightened their and her own final days, his stories touch the heart.

A reviewer of this book on Amazon remarked that this author "cherry-picked" the patients whose stories he recounted and that many elderly people are depressed and lonely. Well, of course, he hand-picked them. How inspiring would it be to read about people who died miserably? Certainly not all patients, in fact, probably only a small percentage, are like the people he writes about, but they are the role models we hope to emulate when it's our turn.

We have all lost those we love, but these stories remind us that death can be faced with courage, that we can learn from the way our loved ones made that journey. I found this a worthwhile addition to any widow's library.

2 comments:

Boo said... [Reply to comment]

My husband died with grace and dignity and I hope I do too. Thanks for the recommendation.

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

This book sounds interesting. I'd like to read it, will check on Amazon.

 

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