by Lucinda
Page Knox, M.S.W. and Michael D. Knox, Ph.D.
Talking about
death and final arrangements with a terminally ill person is always
difficult. Funeral and memorial planning can have therapeutic
value, however, when a person with a life-threatening illness
is encouraged to exert some control. Making decisions, taking
charge of the final details, and being creative in the process
can enhance personal autonomy and self-esteem at a time when everything
else seems out of control. Clinicians may find that using a manual
such as Last Wishes will be a useful exercise for their
patients as they face issues of terminal care.
The easy-to-use
workbook guides the reader to record various decisions by filling
in blanks and making check marks. The reader can, for example,
write his/her own obituary and eulogy, specify who must be notified
and choose music and poetry to be included in the service. There
is an attached envelope for leaving sealed instructions to be
opened after death.
All too often
the emotional loss felt by friends and family is compounded by
the many difficult decisions that they have to make.Last Wishes
gives you the peace of mind that comes from knowing survivors
will not be futher burdened at this time of emotional distress.
Last Wisheslets survivors know exactly how you want your
funeral and memorial handled, where to locate important papers,
and how you wish small personal items to be distributed. Last
Wishesalso provides an extensive list of books and support
groups to help survivors with the grieving process.
Last
Wishes will help you:
- Organize
key legal, financial, and insurance data
- Summarize
your personal history
- Write
special messages to loved ones
- Plan your
funeral service -- be creative
- Write
your own eulogy and obituary
- Leave
sealed instructions
Ordering Information
Softcover,
144 pages -- US $14.95
It can be
ordered from: Upper Access Press
(800) 356-9315
Dr.
Knox's Biographical sketch
Dr. Knox
is available to provide consultation to health care providers regarding
preparation for death and funeral and memorial planning.
Phone (813)
974-4632 (Tampa, FL)
knox@fmhi.usf.edu
