A GRACIOUS GOODBYE presents in-home hospice nursing care for terminally ill individuals. Each story presents unique end of life challenges that affects not only the patient’s life but also the lives of family members and caregivers. The stories provide insight into the journey that each reader will ultimately experience for themselves as they or loved ones progress through unpredictable debilitating health issues.

Examples show how our spirits can be lifted when we take the opportunity to offer empathy and love, without condition, to ease a terminally ill person’s discomforts, or to lessen their fear of dying. Examples of patient and caregiver coping skills will encourage you to utilize your:

• Quiet listening skills
  
• Eye contact
  
• Touch

The dying process is an integral part of living and often presents us with miracles and surprises that often become our most cherished blessings and memories of our loved ones. You will understand that there are many methods available to help you solve daily challenges confronting you or a loved one’s end of life care.

At the age of forty John began his nursing studies at the University of Florida, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing two years later. Now retired from nursing, John and his wife have a daughter, son, and three grandchildren. Life’s lessons accumulated; BA Marketing, Certificate In Gerontology, and multiple employment opportunities proved to be invaluable stepping-stones for John’s success as a hospice nurse. John is grateful to share with you astonishing life events that he has experienced with his hospice patients and families. Many cherished memories of inspiration and beauty, moments of awe, sadness and tears, bonds and love that spanned his twenty year hospice nursing career are documented here with hopes that your end of life experiences might be less frightening, and blessed with dignity, love, and hope.