The Family Caregiver's Journal: A Guide to Facing the Terminal Illness of a Loved One

One of the loneliest tasks on earth is caring for a loved one who is dying. There are 25 million people in that role today and the number is increasing dramatically. This book is a blend of facts and stories that inform, inspire and provide insight to the caregiver as he or she faces the painful, but normal, challenges of death and dying. In the midst of anticipatory grief can be found oppurtunities for growth and discovery. The book provides space for the reader to record his or her own thoughts, important information and invaluable memories. This book provides the support needed to make caregiving the "most rewarding job you ever had." Dr. Ira Byock, author of "Dying Well: The Prospect for Growth at the End of Life" says that this book is a successful blend of wisdom and pragmatism . . . a valuable resource. It explores such topics as "death with Dignity," "quality of life" and what to expect as a terminal illness progresses.

Hank Bruce wears a variety of hats; as a writer he has numerous books in print, including those on gardening, creative writing, children's stories and two fiction works, one a novel and the other a collection of stories inspired by the music and vision of John Denver. As a horticultural therapist and food security activist, he keeps a busy speaking schedule throughout the United States, and serves on the board of directors of the nonprofit Hunger Grow Away.

As a son and son-in-law, he has been at the side of loved ones during their last days and nights, and wrote this book in part as a tribute to the Hospices who have shared that time. Part of the motivation, he says, was to provide information he wished he would have had available; but it is also meant to inspire people to use the hospice resources to be with their loved ones in the hardest, yet most fulfilling work he has ever done.

Hank received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Chapter of the American Horticultural Therapy Association in April, 2007, and the Alice W. Burlingame Humanitarian of the Year Award (2000) from the American Horticultural Therapy Association. He now helps demonstrate microintensive gardening in New Mexico where he lives, helping to promote healthy eating to fight diabetes and heart disease, one family at a time.