Book Review: Peaceful Passage

7 years ago, my father called with the news:  "I have terminal cancer, and the doctor's have given me 3-6 months tops."  My father lived another 2 and 1/2 years, defying the odds, and giving to us precious time I will be grateful for until the end of my days.  In that time, I searched high and low for THE BOOK, the one book to give me guidance, comfort, support, wisdom and faith to know I'll make it through that journey of passing and didn't find a single one.  UNTIL NOW.    Peaceful Passage is that one book!  I had prayed for a book of this magnitude and amazement and now, thanks to Dr. Kim West, it is here! This book is simply a must have for anyone experiencing the oncoming  terminal illness of a loved one and/or their passing.

Peaceful Passage is truly the essential, all-in-one guide to handling every aspect of caring for a dying loved one and yourself on their final journey. Included are guidelines for partnering with hospice, the how-to of daily care, confronting fears and emotional issues, navigating marriage, family, children and career, working through inner conflicts with faith and handling the myriad details and arrangements of an at-home death. With this book as the guide the reader can find peace in this most heart-wrenching and heartwarming of journeys.

This book is filled with 15 insightful, poignant chapters of emotionally charged and need-to-read information.   The 15th chapter is an optional one in which Kim West talks of her journey with her own mother's passing and absolutely is essential to the writing of the book.  Dr. Kim West isn't just an author kinda sorta talking about a subject - she has walked the same journey and speaks from the depths of her heart and soul.  

You will need tissues.  The entire box.   Her writing will touch you, sooth you, heal you.  One of my favorite parts of this book was the workbook sections.  With a pencil or pen, and this book, you can not only jot down 'things to do', even things you may not have even thought of, as well as take personal notes.  

My father had a wonderful veteran organization working with us the last 3 weeks of his life and can I just share:  I wasn't ready.  You never really are when it comes to saying goodbye.  But at a time when I was completely lost, losing my father way too young to cancer, this book would have been the breath of fresh air I needed and the support I wished I could have had.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to any, and all, people experiencing facing a terminal illness ~ the best book BY FAR.   Thank you, Dr. West, for a book that I found highly valuable and most encouraging during the hardest of my life.  Your book is invaluable!

*5 stars!*

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.