In gentle, compassionate language, The Needs of the Dying helps us through the last chapter of our lives. Author David Kessler has identified key areas of concern: the need to be treated as a living human being, the need for hope, the need to express emotions, the need to participate in care, the need for honesty, the need for spirituality, and the need to be free of physical pain. Examining the physical and emotional experiences of life-challenging illnesses, Kessler provides a vocabulary for family members and for the dying that allows them to communicate with doctors, with hospital staff, and with one another, and—at a time when the right words are exceedingly difficult to find—he helps readers find a way to say good-bye. Using comforting and touching stories, he provides information to help us meet the needs of a loved one at this important time in our lives.
I began my first book, The Needs of the Dying, under the guidance and encouragement of two extraordinary women - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and Mother Teresa. I had worked in hospice for over twenty years, when The Needs of the Dying came out, I was honored that Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, a legendary pioneer in the field of hospice, and Mother Teresa, whose work will always represent the essence of love, found it worthy of their praise.
Since the original release of The Needs of the Dying I have been fortunate to write two books, Life Lessons and On Grief and Grieving with my friend and mentor, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross.
My books have been born out of the work I was doing. For example, Kubler-Ross and I were fascinated by the wonderful and profound Life Lessons we saw the dying were learning at the end of their lives and wanted to see those lessons passed on to those who were still healthy and young enough to make changes in their lives. As K bler Ross approached the end of her years, it was fitting that our last book together was, On Grief and Grieving. Elisabeth shared her life and work with the world, and I felt privileged to be there for her passing.
Now, my life appears to be a hybrid of several occupations, including my work with the dying, my volunteer work as a reserve officer on the police trauma team and my participation with the Red Cross on aviation disasters
Since teaching is one of my favorite parts of the work I see myself continuing to lecture at conferences, and also doing smaller one-day seminars.
