Nothing Left Unsaid: Words to Help You and Your Loved Ones Through the Hardest Times [Hardcover]

Carol Orsborn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 11, 2001

Saying the wrong thing in a delicate situation is a widespread fear. It’s difficult for most people to find the right words when confronted with life’s most troubling moments: illness or death of a loved one. Many self-help books deal with the aftermath of death, but in Nothing Left Unsaid Carol Orsborn provides counsel to those caring for a dying or seriously ill loved one. Speaking from personal experience, she helps readers find the words for what they really want to say and gives them questions to consider while there’s still time. The book is divided into three parts: stories, poems, and prayers; processes and rituals; and questions for conversation.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Who hasn't searched for the right words when faced with a terminal illness or the impending death of a loved one? It's tempting to become withdrawn in our uncertainty, our fear of saying the wrong thing. The irony is that it's often the unsaid words, questions, and feelings we regret the most when a loved one dies, says Carol Orsborn (The Art of Resilience). Thus, it was Orsborn's hope to create this soothing and provocative collection of stories, poems, and prayers in order to help caregivers and the dying find a common language.

Although Nothing Left Unsaid is a beautifully packaged and highly spiritual handbook, the writing is down to earth and accessible to readers from all religions and walks of life. Through storytelling and brief sections of advice, Orsborn helps readers hear and trust the words that arise from within. Those in the midst of a bedside vigil will especially appreciate the chapter entitled "Ask the Right Questions," which lists 30 poignant questions to start a meaningful dialogue. And don't forget that silence has its own rewards, notes Orsborn, who offers advice on how to sit with a loved one in peaceful, open-hearted stillness. --Gail Hudson

Product Details

• Hardcover: 129 pages
• Publisher: Conari Press; 1 edition (April 11, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573245658
• ISBN-13: 978-1573245654
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #340,932 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book helped me through the hardest of times, August 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Nothing Left Unsaid: Words to Help You and Your Loved Ones Through the Hardest Times (Hardcover)

When my favorite aunt was dying, I didn't know how to deal with the pain and the emotion. Especially in the last few months when I was sitting there with her. This book helped both of us to come to terms with the big step that would be taken in both of our lives. I would reccomend this to anyone who is losing or has lost a loved one.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing Left Unsaid: Words to Help You, May 17, 2003

By 

Cassandra Barnes "Cassandra" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nothing Left Unsaid: Words to Help You and Your Loved Ones Through the Hardest Times (Hardcover)

Carol Orsborn wrote Nothing Left Unsaid: Words to Help You and Your Loved Ones Through the Hardest Times to help people nurture their relationships while there is still time. She focuses on the experience of being with someone who is sick or dying, and encourages the reader to move to a new level of connection and relationship with the one they love. Orsborn wrote it following her own experience with a personal health crisis and after a vigil with her critically-ill father.

A master teacher and theologian, Orsborn has written ten other books applying spiritual philosophy to the challenges of life.

She begins with a collection of inspirational readings, prayers, and affirmations from a variety of cultures and traditions. Brief essays from her personal experiences follow each of these, along with suggestions as to individuals may incorporate them in their own lives.

Following that is a section of Rituals for Healing and Resolution. Orsborn includes several techniques for releasing negative feelings such as guilt and grief. She also describes a forgiveness meditation and several methods of effective communication.

The final section is designed to help with introspection. It contains questions which the individual may use for journaling, or to initiate conversations with loved ones.

Orsborns desire is that her words will help you to grow your love and minimize your regret, come what may. In Nothing Left Unsaid, shes provided a compassionate and inspirational guide for anyone who is struggling with trying to find the right words to say at difficult time.