May I Walk You Home Author:Joyce Hutchison; Joyce Rupp Walking a companion home is an old-fashioned custom, often lost in our modern era. But there was once a time when walks home from school, from church, or from a dance were commonplace. Walking someone home was a way of offering protection and guidance, an opportuniy to reflect on life and what had just been experienced. — Joyce Hutchison and Jo... more »yce Rupp capture the spirit of that personal complanionship for those who accompany the dying on their final journey. Hutchison's moving stories relate her many experiences of caring for the dying, tracing the moment of joy, experiences of connection, and glimpses of heaven that occur along the way. Rupp's simple and tender prayers express beautifully the struggle and rewards of this companionship, offering caregivers both strength and hope.
Joyce Hutchison provides a wonderful example of what it is like to simply be there with one who is seriously ill or dying--how to listen, when to speak, how to provide encouragement, an dmost of all, how one's simple presence can enable the dying person to let go and make the final step of the journey in peace. Joyce Rupp follows each story with a prayer experience consisting of a meditation exercise, a poetic prayer, and an affirmation for the day.
Whether family members, friends, chaplains, or health care workers, caregivers will find here much inspiration and support for their ministry.« less