Final Conversations Helping the Living and the Dying Talk to Each Other by Maureen P. Keeley, PhD and Julie M. Yingling, PhD
CONTENTS
Note on Terminology and Editing Preface
Introduction
1Real People: Setting the Stage for the Book
The Source of These Final Conversations
What Are Final Conversations?
Americans and Death—Why Is It So Difficult?
Why Communicate at the End?
Why Look at the Livings’ Perspective on Communication at the End
of Life?
2I Love You: Goodbye
Loving the Dying in Close Relationships
Don’t Leave Yet!
Nothing More to Say Benefits / Summary / Advice
3Everyday Messages: Taking Care of
Business
I’m Not Dead Yet!
Maintaining the Relationship for Now
Preserving the Relationship into the Future
Problems with Everyday Messages Benefits / Summary / Advice
Cleaning Up the Mess
Letting Go: Forgiving, Accepting, and Acknowledging
Receiving the Surprise Apology
Closing a Door, Opening a Window
Don’t Make It Worse Benefits / Summary / Advice
Children’s Final Conversations with the Dying:
Being Real
Teens’ Final Conversations: A Crash Course in Adulthood
New Adults’ Final Conversations: Challenges in Changing Times
Mature Adults’ Final Conversations: Role Changes and Getting Real
(Again) Benefits / Summary / Advice
