Using the Power of Hope to Cope with Dying: The Four Stages of Hope

by Cathleen Fanslow, Carol Reed Ash (Foreword)

Introducing Cathleen Fanslow's ""Hope System,"" which incorporates the four stages of hope (hope for cure, for treatment, for prolongation of life, and for peaceful death), this book shows both the living and the dying how to use the power of hope to cope with the inevitable. This powerful and simple system enables families, friends, and professional caregivers to understand and assist the dying on their journey--regardless of their beliefs--by addressing all levels of the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual. Concentrating on solutions for the day-to-day emotional needs of the dying, this practical guide also features examples and stories from families that have experienced loss, as well as helpful passages that provide hope throughout the ordeal.

137 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2008

Reviews

[Jane Mettee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has been a nurse since 1964 and has helped over 40,000 people have a peaceful passing. This slim volume (106 pages) is worth reading for anyone facing their own death, the death of friends, loved ones or just the
awareness that comes in our later years of our own mortality. This is a book that should be required reading for all nurses, nursing students or anyone else who will be working with the dying.

[Shel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathleen Fanslow-Brunjes tells some simple, but powerful, truths based upon her more than 35 years of experience working with the dying. Fanslow-Brunjes teaches Therapeutic Touch workshops and lives on Whidbey Island.

Hope is:
"...what actually drives the process of change, whether the transition is into death, or into a different way of living."
"...the core of the self--the essence of what it is to be human."
"...the belief that potentials may be fulfilled."
"...what facilitates the true development of the potential of each human."
"...synonymous with living and it continues until the moment of death."
"...(what) prevails even over fear into our last moments."

The basic needs of the dying are also those of the living:
• The need to know they will not be abandoned.
• The need for self-expression.
• The need for hope.

Simple, but powerful, truths:
• Death is a part of life.
• We too will die.
• We all have a fear of death (fear of the process, fear of the moment of death, fear of the hereafter).

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This slim volume puts into words the way in which my husband and I have been trying to cope with a terminal illness. It would be relevant for anyone, as we will all be on the "last road" sooner or later.

[Angela Pewitt fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been 4 years since I read this book, so I may have to read again and update my review.