When Stan Goldberg was diagnosed with cancer, he opted to confront his anxiety by assisting those who were already dying: he became a hospice volunteer and spent several years at the bedsides of the dying. In this book, Stan shares the remarkable stories of people he met who were facing the end of life. As we observe how individuals like us deal with worry and grief with bravery and compassion, their experiences throw a light on the human ability for beauty, understanding, forgiveness, and thankfulness.
But what's most remarkable is that bravery and love are expressed in ordinary acts and small accomplishments, rather than grand, dramatic gestures: in simple acts of kindness, in asking for and receiving forgiveness, in letting go of anger, and in learning to speak directly from the heart—and to listen in the same way. Stan's final discoveries—and which he recounts here—are not about dying, but about learning how to live.
I've come to believe the baggage I'll tote to my death will determine its quality. I've learned the importance of doing simple things---telling my family and friends I love them; expressing gratitude for even the smallest kindnesses shown to me; being accepting of the unskillful words and actions of others; and asking for forgiveness when I screw up.
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