I noticed Dr. Bernie Siegel's name on the back of Cathleen Fanslow-Brunjes (*) book years ago and a bell went off. I was fortunate enough to see him years ago in Kitchener.
In 1986 his first book, Love. Medicine &
Miracles was published. This event redirected his life. In 1989 Peace, Love
& Healing and in 1993 How To Live Between Office Visits followed.
He is currently working on other
books with the goal of humanizing medical education and medical care, as well
as, empowering patients and teaching survival behavior to enhance immune system
competency. Bernie’s realization that we all need help dealing with the
difficulties of life, not just the physical ones, led to Bernie writing his
fourth book in 1998 Prescriptions for Living. It helps people to become aware
of the eternal truths and wisdom of the sages through Bernie’s stories and
insights rather than wait a personal disaster. He wants to help people
fix their lives before they are broken, and thus not have to become strong at
the broken places.
Books
- 1986 - Love, Medicine
& Miracles
- 1989 - Peace, Love &
Healing
- 1993 - How to Live
Between Office Visits
- 1999 - Prescriptions for
Living
- 2003 - 365 Prescriptions
For the Soul
- 2003 - Help Me To Heal
- 2004 - Smudge Bunny -
(Children's book)
- 2006 - Love, Magic, and
Mudpies: Raising Your Kids to Feel Loved, Be Kind, and Make a Difference
- 2009 - Faith, Hope and
Healing: Inspiring Lessons Learned from People Living with Cancer
- 2009 - 101 Exercises for
the Soul: Simple Practices for a Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit
- 2011 - A Book
Of Miracles: Inspiring True Stories of Healing, Gratitude, and Love
Woody Allen once said, “If I had one wish it would be to be
somebody else.”
Bernie’s wish was to be a few inches
taller. His work has been such a growth experience that he is now a few
inches taller.
His prediction is that in the next decade
the role of consciousness, spirituality, non-local healing, body memory
and heart energy will all be explored as scientific subjects.
She's an internationally acclaimed expert in the fields of death,
dying, grief, nursing and hospice care.
In it she talks of: "dying
at home, as fully dignified human being until their last moment.".
The basic needs
of the dying are also those of the living:
1. The need to know they will not be
abandoned.
2. The need for self expression.
3. The need for hope.
Nine Strategies
helpful to the dying:
1. Visit.
2. Ask.
3. Call, if you can't visit.
4. Send mail, letters, pictures or cards.
5. Allow for silence.
6. Leave an object, something meaning to them,
if you'll be away for a while.
7. Send gifts.
8. Reassure them they are not forgotten.
9. Keep your promises.
Although self explanatory I encourage you to read
her book for more detailed information.
There is also has a chapter in her book called:
“Wisdom of the Dying and the Choice of the Moment.'.
I'll leave that for you to read.
The baby-boomers will soon be marching off to the
seniors homes or staying at home.
"an impersonal, cold hospital
room at the end of the hall"
or
"dying at home, as a fully dignified human being until the last
moment.".
Your choices.