This book will be the third book in the Caring for the Dying series.
This book's theme is . . . breathless moments at the end-of-life.
Book title: Breathless Moment Caring for the Dying
I am not talking about end-of-life breathlessness like acute, chronic, nocturnal breathlessness, or terminal respiratory secreations, or agonal breathing.
I am talking about those “defining moments” that are deeply personal and unique to each individual but they have a commonality, i.e., physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, psychological.
Defining moments at the end of life can include, but are not limited to:
1. Reflection on Life: reflecting on the significant moments, achievements, and regrets.
2. Completion and Closure: when a person feels that they have completed their life's journey and are ready to let go. They may express a desire to say goodbye to loved ones or express forgiveness to those they had conflicts with.
3. Transcendence: experiencing a sense of peace and acceptance beyond their physical body. They may feel a spiritual connection and a sense of unity with the universe.
4. Surrender: accepting one’s mortality, surrendering to the natural process of dying. They may let go of any fears or anxieties they had about death and find comfort in the knowledge that their suffering will soon end.
5. Legacy: reflecting on the legacy they will leave behind and the impact they have had on the world.
6. And others.
However, with breathless moment, I’m wanting to focus on those very particular, observable times during the end-of-life journey when there is a clear sense of noticing.
This could be:
- the caregiver/EoL practitioner noticing something about themselves during a particular instance,
- the loved one’s caregiver becoming aware of something specific, or
- the dying individual having a realization or shift that’s noticeable.
In the main portion of the chapter, co-authors are asked to write about breathless/defining moments they've seein their clients, others, or themselves as it relates to the end-of-life journey.
We will also tie the book to another published book by an expert in the end-of-life field. Book to be determined.