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Endorsements: Final
Passage
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“For the growing number of people who are now preparing for and coping with their parents’deaths, and for young people who perhaps have never been exposed to a loved one’s death, this book will prepare them. For healthcare professionals who have been unable to handle their patients’ deaths, for physicians who feel like failures each time a patient dies, and for people--and their families--who are facing death in the near future, this book will assist them in understanding and relating to the dying process.” -- From the introduction to Final Passage In this groundbreaking book on the spiritual nature of death, Barbara Harris Whitfield shares her near-death experiences and the stories of individuals who have left this life with dignity--assisted by her loving help. These accounts will inspire readers, allow them to accept death more easily, and reveal the connection to the Spirit that embraces and guides us as we die. Whitfield demonstrates how it is possible for terminal patients to be fully present, even in their deepest pain, so that they can spread kindness, compassion and forgiveness to their loved ones. Whether readers fear death because it symbolizes the unknown, marvel at its awesome mystery, or grieve for a loved one it has claimed, this book will answer their questions about what happens when we die. This book will help readers look at death as a passage to a higher existence, and dying as an opportunity to finish life in a fulfilling way. January, l998, ISBN 1-55874-540-8
$10.95 FINAL PASSAGE "...While there can be no “cure” in death, there can certainly be a kind of “healing.” And healing is not only for the dying person, but for family, friends and significant others." -Barbara Harris Whitfield In Final Passage: Sharing the Journey as This Life Ends (Health Communications, Inc. February 16, l998) author Barbara Harris Whitfield takes our hand and gently shows us the way to reach that final acceptance called dying. How do those left behind cope? How do the terminally ill and the elderly, knowing what lies ahead? Final Passage relives many of the author’s experiences with people whom she has attended during the dying process--not only her patients and friends, but her father and mother as well. As different as their experiences leading up to their final passages were, they shared a common trait. “In almost every story,” Whitfield tells us, “the dying person accepted his or her undeniable condition. And that acceptance transformed them.” Much of the author’s ability to so vividly describe what she calls “the unique energy that surrounds the dying process” comes from her own unique perspective on it. Whitfield has had two near-death experiences (NDEs), and thus can authentically explain to us the loving spiritual consciousness that prevails. “Most NDErs are not afraid to die,” she confides. “Indeed, most of us look forward to going back, although not before we’ve done all the things we want to do first.” From Final Passage we can draw comfort and courage in the face of what is both inevitable and natural, whether for ourselves or those close to us. We learn how to bear witness to the process of dying, and some of the simple steps we can take to make the process a spiritual and healing experience for those going through it. The old saying “The truth shall set us free” is especially poignant as we prepare to die. Honesty with self, others and God at any stage of life sets us free. As we die, “sharing our truth” gives us our last chance to be free of the inertia we made in this life. Sharing our truth sets us free to be real. Once free, we are ready to journey home. Final Passage shows us that not only can there be dignity in that journey, but that our departure can be filled with grace, love and hope. From Ingram FROM READER REVIEWS on amazon.com "I got my copy of "Final Passage" and sat down and read it in one day. Barbara Whitfield was so right about it being full of "aha's". I used a whole box of kleenex that day; it was emotionally wrenching, but I couldn't put it down. I have loaned it to my step-daughter (my husband,her dad died of cancer in 2001). She is having a very difficult time reading it because of the emotions it brings up, so she is taking one chapter at a time with lots of time in between. I went ahead and ordered another copy along with "Spiritual Awakenings" I just started reading it and haven't had time to read much, but I wanted to say Barbara's books are very helpful for understanding some of life's difficult issues."Reviewer: Patty Walden from Kingston, TN United States -------------------------------------------------------- "Below is a letter I sent to Barbara Whitfield after reading her book Final Passage. Please post this letter with her book information. Thank you very much." Hello, My name is Shirley and I just finished reading your book Final Passage. I loved it! I heard your interview on a local radio show a few weeks ago and you were discussing your book and it sounded very interesting to me. I lost my mother a year and a half ago to cancer and have been a little lost and confused since then. I wish I would have educated myself on the dying process before my mother died. I'm sure it would have made things easier. I feel better after reading your book. I was with my mother when she passed and I've always wondered what it was like for her in those last few moments. I believe your book shed some light on that for me. I was glad I could be there for her when she passed but it was really hard to watch. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your book. Have a Merry Christmas! Reviewer: Shirley from Charlotte, NC
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