Urgent Whispers: Care of the Dying [Paperbound] (Paperback)

~ Jerral Sapienza (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Urgent Whispers: Care of the Dying is a new kind of Death & Dying book for friends and family assisting a loved one at the end of life. From the moment you open this book you begin to get an idea of just how different this unique presentation of the material is.

The book is organized around 52 "whispers" which sensitively lead you through the process of sitting with a dying loved one, providing a "map and compass for the soul" in their commentary, coaching and accompanying exercises.

The core of the book's love and support around creating the Vigil Record for your loved one's process sneaks up on you and seeps in deep, providing excellent processing support for the new or experienced caregiver of a friend or loved one dying of AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer's, ALS and many other debilitations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Llx Pr (April 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971710708
• ISBN-13: 978-0971710702
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #416,455 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Urgent Whispers: Care of the Dying, June 4, 2002

By	Machelle Scully (Ottumwa, Iowa) - See all my reviews

It's about time that someone in Western society breech the taboo related to death and dying. Death isn't a fun subject, by any means, but it is something that all of us will experience. Like it or not, no one can escape losing a loved one and certainly we all have to die, at some point, ourselves.
Mr. Sapienza has masterfully captured the essence of meaning and beauty of the death process. Who knew that death could be such a rewarding experience? In giving care and/or assisting a loved one at the end of life, Mr. Sapienza illustrates how family or friends can enrich the end of life for the dying as well as add purpose and hope for those still living.
Working in a nursing home, I've seen many people die. I've seen family members grieving the loss before their loved on is even gone. I've seen family members unwittingly talk about what a wonderful person WAS. Mr. Sapienza enlightens his readers to be present in the here and now. The truth that so many of us fail to see, is that the dying aren't yet dead, therefore they still ARE wonderful people. Crying and grieving before they depart wastes energy and takes the focus away from the person who is dying and needs loved ones present.
It's not that the author is pointing out what we do wrong in assisting loved ones at the end of life; quite the contrary. Mr. Sapienza has a wealth of experience and compassion that he is sharing to our culture in collectively teaching us how to better care for those we love in their final time of need.
I have lost loved ones, but failed to be present for them in an altruistic capacity, simply because I didn't know how. I wish I had known how to be present for them, rather than focusing on my impending loss. All that accomplished was to rob the dying and myself of endearing, special moments that could have added so much meaning to process of dying.
We cannot implement what we do not know. In this age of self help gurus sharing their wisdom with the masses, "Urgent Whispers" is a must read. If we as a society want to learn how to enrich our lives, our relationships, businesses, etc, why then, should we not take our desire to grow and be better persons in the arena of death as well? Afterall, death is something that will enevitably touch us all. Why not make it better, too?
"Urgent Whispers" is well written and breaks the barrier of fear to unfold a compassionate look at death. Fear breeds ignorance. This book takes the reader beyond the unpleasant and scary thoughts commonly associated with death to reveal a fresh approach in helping our loved ones make the transition to the other side.
I cannot praise this author enough for giving the world such a useful, wonderful tool. Everyone who reads this book will be a better person for it. I can only hope that the persons who will care for me, when my time comes, will have read this book and will follow it closely.
Kudos to Mr. Sapienza and thank you for the epiphany. I hope that everyone who reads your book wil gain as much insight as you have given me.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thought-provoking resource for hospice volunteers, July 17, 2003

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Urgent Whispers: Care Of The Dying by Jerral Sapienza is a spiritual self-help guide written especially and specifically for caregivers of the ill and the dying. Urgent Whispers is primarily an interactive book, asking the reader questions to explore internal and external issues, with space for jotting down brief answers, notes, and insights as one progresses through the self-discovery voyage. Also available in a spiral bound edition is a meaningful and thought-provoking resource for hospice volunteers and the clergy, as well as a welcome addition to the growing library of literature in the area of Death & Dying for both professionals and paraprofessionals.

5.0 out of 5 stars Getting through a tough time, July 15, 2006

By	Laura Thornberg "TLadyLaura20" (usa) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was recommened to me by a family member. It helped me to understand what was happening in my life and how to help the person that I was losing. It offers great tools and guidelines. It helps make you realize you are not the only one to go through this and that your not alone. It is not based on religion but on a common ground we all share.