Book excerpt: A source of reliable information and guidance for lifes last and most difficult situations?ǪNatural story-tellers, the authors deftly tell lively, colorful stories of people caught in extraordinary circumstances to convey lessons that we all would be wise to learn. I will recommend this book to patients and families. -Ira Byock, MD, Director of Palliative Care, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, New Hampshire, author of Dying Well and The Four Things that Matter Most Packed with wisdom, compassion, humor, and most of all hope?Ǫan invaluable handbook that touches on every aspect of planning and preparing for excellent end-of-life care. -Barbara Dossey, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, International Co-Director, Nightingale Initiative for Global Health, author of Holistic Nursing Once I started reading this book I couldnt stop. It seemed like I was reading a diary of my last 25 years as a hospice physician. What a wonderful, extraordinary and uplifting gift. For a long-time ?Çÿhospice road warrior, the book brought not only many smiles and frank laughter, but many tearful moments for me, too?Ǫall reminding me that this chosen work is, too, a gift. -Perry Fine, MD, Professor of Anesthesiology, Pain Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Utah, author of The Hospice Companion Weaving stories from their decades of experience with patients, this mother-daughter team has crafted a true gem. This approachable book illuminates the need for conversations about end-of-life choices and demonstrates the grace of hospice. It is a wonderful tool to enable people of all ages to follow the sage advice, From the start, consider the finish. -Nathan A. Kottkamp, JD, Chairman, National Healthcare Decisions day, Healthcare Attorney, McGuire woods LLP, Richmond, Virginia