Description
Book SynopsisExplores the emergence of rituals in America that celebrate the dying and reinvent the roles of family and community at the deathbed.
Trade ReviewThis thoughtful, unique, moving, and educational book deserves a wide audience... Highly recommended." -- A. W. Klink Choice
Table of ContentsContents
Acknowledgments
Prologue
Introduction
PART I END-OF-LIFE CELEBRATIONS AND PRE-DEATH RITUALS
1. Her Choice: Two Paths Leading to the Same Destination
2. Living Funeral: Celebrating the End of Life
3. Her Life Review: Reliving the Past in the Present
4. Legacy of Memories: Telling Life Stories and Last Wishes
5. Her Season of Lasts: Traditional, Seasonal, Communal Rituals
6. Oral Ethical Will: Video Recording Valuable Last Words
7. Her Living Wake: Reminiscing and Farewell Party
8. Vigil: Holding Hands at the Eleventh Hour
PART II POST- DEATH AND MEMORIALIZING RITUALS
9. Her Twenty-First-Century Memorial Service, His Twentieth- Century Funeral
10. Home Funeral: Eco- Friendly Way Out
11. Holistic Approach: Design- It- Yourself Funeral and Cremation Witnessing
12. The Living Unveiling: Technology Innovates Memorializing
13. Her Truth: Finding Life after Death
Notes
Bibliography
