Dying In God's Hands is a book about dying and death, and about what we learn from the terminally ill. It is intended to provide fresh insights into the hearts and minds of the dying and to provide solace and comfort to people who are dealing with the loss of a loved one, whether in the immediate future or in the recent past. Part I is based on interviews with 12 Hospice patients in which they share their hopes, strengths, anxieties, frustrations and needs. "Dying people see life with clarity". They have the unique ability of enjoying each moment as if it were their last," the author writes in the introduction. She adds that "the sacredness of life" is among the profound lessons we learn from the dying. Several interviews provide testimony that a deep and abiding faith in God is the greatest strength of those facing imminent death. While exploring and illuminating the natural process of dying, the author consequently touches on the outer edges of the supernatural. The reader can practically feel the patients longing for reunion with God the universal and ultimate aspiration of the soul. Part II of the book discusses 8 topics that represent shared bonds and experiences common denominators of those who are terminally ill. Part III features prayers and inspirational writings rooted in various religious traditions: Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Bah and non-denominational.
Camille Pavy Claibourne, APRN, PhD, is a pet lover and nationally recognized expert in nursing. As a Registered Nurse of 40-plus years, she is always looking for opportunities to help others in need. She is actively involved in her community through the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, as a volunteer for Hospice of Acadiana, and through St. Joseph Catholic Church of Milton, La. Her work in thanatology, the study of death and dying, has been her main professional focus since 2001. She has authored four books: Pathways to Hope (1996); Dying in Gods Hands (2007); Purses and Shoes for Sale: The joys and challenges of caring for elderly parents (2016); and Dog Love & Dog Loss (2021). For more information, visit www.acadianhouse.com.