Grief, Dying, & Death

I find Theresa Rando's book very timely and interesting. That's as a caregiver in a hospital setup it just become apparent that you can only help people grieving by first getting in touch with your own visceral feelings. And that's where she started it. Thus until one permits herself or himself to feel what is normal and natural of grief situation it becomes a mirage to be able to help others. By the author's skillful and indepth discussion on Grief, the Reaction to Loss, she brought to bear all the processes which often times either exaggerated or minimised in some books. Thus by exposing what goes on in the shock, disbelief, denials and all other psychological manifestations of grief, there is no doubt that whoever gets this book is on the way to becoming a good caregiver in whatever situation. Finally, I believe the author's work on The Dying Child made her stands out among many authors. The issue of societal reactions to the death of a child, the challenging reality of childhood terminal illness, and basic principles of care for the dying child among others points to the fact that, Theresa has left a landmark yet to be discovered by many. I found this book as a basic textbook, reference book, and a dictionary for grief and all death and dying topics that come my way in my caregiving activities and write-ups.

If you liked this book, also try "The Healing Journey Through Grief" by Phil Rich. There is also a Clincian's Guide available. This book is one in a series of self help journaling books designed to help people through life issues, and breaks the process into clear cut stages with information and journaling exercises throughout to help people understand, write about, and work through their issues and difficulties.The other books in the series, all by Phil Rich and other co-authors)include a book on journaling for individuals (The Healing Journey) and one on journaling for couples("The Healing Journey for Couples") and others ("The Healing Journey Through...") on divorce, menopause, job loss, retirement, and addiction.