THE DIVINE ACT OF DYING

I never thought there could be a better book about the many-layered experiences of aging than Still Here, by Ram Dass.  Until this past weekend, when I started reading The DivineArt of Dying.  How I wish it was possible to read it the same way I did Still Here - in tandem with Mom.    

It is remarkable.
 
I'm only up to page 43, but it's impossible to wait until I've finished to share my impressions of this impossible-to-describe book.  

The Divine Art of Dying is essential reading for any adult.  Each chapter is introduced with a journal entry from Karen Speerstra, writing about life after her decision to suspend treatment for her ovarian cancer.  She'd been successfully treated for ten years, without the dreadful side effects so many suffer.  When the treatment started to turn on her, she stopped, with gratitude for the ten joyful years it had given.  

Herb Anderson - a friend of Karen's - builds off her entry with the tender insight you'd expect from her pastor, a seminary professor & hospital chaplain.  

The last part of each chapter is wonderful, practical advice from The Caregiver's Guidebook.  (Did you know to attach an envelope clearly inscribed "To Emergency Personnel" to your fridge with any essential medical info?  News to me.)  

 

At 63, I marvel looking at the paths that lead me to this moment, each building to a place offering important work for me to do.  At 63, Karen - author of Sophia, the Feminine Face of God - was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  What paths she traveled to be the right person at the right place in time with the right friend urging her to join him in writing one last book.  

Herb knew that in his friend was an alchemy of forces born to collaborate on this quietly stunning book. Blessings on Herb for convincing her, for having the partnering spirit & his own inspired view to give us this treasure.  All of Karen's paths culminate in The Divine Art of Dying.