Finishing Our story: Preparing for the End of Life

Abstract

Considering an individual’s needs and desires (for oneself, a family member, or friend), and creating ways that will support their end of life journey, are the primary “take home” lessons from Gregory Eastwood’s Finishing our story: Preparing for the end of life. This small book is easy to read and presents facts clearly and in a manner that facilitates application to one’s own life when preparing for, and encountering the joys and challenges faced by most people when dealing with the end of life. Eastwood views this book as being relevant for “people who have questions about the end of life – what to expect, how to prepare for it, (and) what to do when you get there” (p. 3). He provides numerous opportunities for the reader to become aware of and be attentive to their own feelings and assumptions and examine these in relation to the end-of-life process. Finishing our story: Preparing for the end of life is packed with helpful general information that can assist in navigating the uncharted waters often found when grappling with the end-of-life journey. Personal stories and professional vignettes are interwoven throughout the chapters and address shared human conditions and beliefs; clearly enhancing the reader’s understanding of the content. The book is organized in a logical manner leading the reader to consider historical concepts on end-of-life, how one defines/redefines their own personal “quality of their life” as the journey progresses, and presents potential ethical issues that may arise between and among the individual, family, and friends. Eastwood also addresses legal instruments that can be used to make one’s wishes known (ie. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, DNR/DNI – Do Not Resuscitate/Do Not Intubate, POLSTPhysician’s Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment), the possible need for, and use of, an ethics committee or consultant, palliative care as it relates to hospice care, and alternatives for medical aid in dying/physician-assisted death and voluntary stopping and drinking [VSED] in states that have legal statutes allowing for these. The last two sections, of course, are fluid as time moves forward and need to be read and updated within the context of changes after early 2019 (ie. the Palliative Care Delivery Model for patients who are diagnosed with chronic diseases but who are not yet in need of hospice, and changes in the “end life option act/right to die” legislation). Finally, Eastwood concludes with a discussion about legacy building and how reflecting on one’s life and communicating one’s life story to others as a helpful way to manage the end-of-life journey and make it more fulfilling. Finishing our story: Preparing for the end of life is a good adjunct book for all people wanting to learn about the personal and practical aspects surrounding the end-of-life journey. Eastwood’s three gifts to the reader include: 1) a better understanding of lived experiences at the end of life; 2) concrete ways to assist with “Finishing our Story” and 3) a reminder to look for and honor the “person on the inside” by considering their needs and desires in all situations.