May I Walk You Home?: Courage and Comfort for Caregivers of the Very Ill

by Joyce Hutchison, Joyce Rupp

Reissued on its tenth anniversary, May I Walk You Home? remains an invaluable resource for professional caregivers and loved ones assisting those on their final journey home. Accompanied by the experience and empathy of hospice educator Joyce Hutchison and the wisdom and inspiration of best-selling author Joyce Rupp, readers will discover the courage necessary to embrace the struggles and rewards of this final companionship.

Genres: Nonfiction

Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

Reviews

[ashley mcqueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely beautiful

[Michale · Rating 3 out of 5]

A number of friends recommended this to me, but I was very disappointed. I suppose this book is marvelous if you are a believing Catholic, but the image of being held in the hands of Jesus just didn't do it for me. While I admire the faith and dedication of those who are sure they are helping someone "go home", I found Final Gifts much more open to a variety of experiences, and, therefore, much more helpful for my work with patients from all faith backgrounds, including those who have no faith.

[Lee Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had read this book when my Dad entered hospice. Joyce Hutchison shares stories from her career as an oncology nurse and later a hospice nurse. She gives great advice to caregivers (family, friends, medical professionals) taking this final journey with loved ones. The advice is so simple, but you don't realize it in the moment. Things like touching the person who is dying. Listening to them. Giving them permission to leave. The chapters end with a "meditation," which is often a variation on visualizing God as a loving parent, holding your hand, holding your loved one's hand, taking on all your fears, and bringing you peace. There is also a prayer at the close of each chapter.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I expected—recommended by a friend. Feels like a memoir of hospice care but with very brief snippets of what that entails, with meditations and prayers that are vaguely spiritual. I can’t say I found the prayers or meditations very helpful as someone who has definite beliefs (for example, on the character of God and how we know whether or not we’re going to heaven)—more likely to be received well by those who do not.

[Joelle Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy read about how to just be with the dying. Many try to find the “right” words to say instead of loving the dying person in the same way they always have.

[Snyder, Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book when faced with the grim prognosis of my Mother's cancer. Totally changed my outlook and helped me face the fact that it wasn't about ME. Forever grateful for this book.