Approaching the End of Life

A Practical and Spiritual Guide

By (author) Donna Schaper

Publication date:

21 May 2015

Length of book:

206 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781442238244

In her more than forty years as a minister, Rev. Donna Schaper has been approached hundreds of times by people wanting to know how to prepare for the end of life in both practical and spiritual matters. Countless others have turned to her for guidance on how to handle the death of a loved one. From making a will and planning a memorial service to finding peace in the toughest circumstances, Approaching the End of Life offers practical and spiritual guidance to anyone wrestling with the end of a life.

With sensitivity and humor Rev. Schaper helps readers face aging and mortality with freedom rather than fear. She encourages readers to find a spiritual home of some kind—even if it is far from the doors of a church—and offers helpful suggestions on memorials and funeral services that will be well suited to the departed while serving the loved ones in their grief and celebration. The book also includes practical resources such as a service planning checklist, a template for a funeral or memorial service, and more.
Senior minister Schaper’s comprehensive book on death is based on her 40 years of counseling the dying and their families. She covers everything from the realization that one’s illness is incurable to the memorial service and presents positive suggestions for disclosing the imminent death to loved ones and how to prepare spiritually (not necessarily espousing religion) for the end. . . . VERDICT [The book is] . . . superb in discussing preparation for death. Approaching the End of Life supplies a blueprint [to prepare for death].