What Really Matters: 7 Lessons for Living from the Stories of the Dying

What Really Matters is a collection of stories from the files of a hospice physician that reveal the end-of-life wisdom of several dying patients and their families. Each touching story provides a glimpse into the final days of life of a terminally ill patient through the eyes of the doctor who provided medical care during that difficult time. As the drama of each situation unfolds, profound life lessons are demonstrated that change the perspective of the doctor and the reader, as well, toward suffering, life and death. A spiritual discourse follows each story to further elucidate the meaning of the lesson learned and its application to everyday life. By focusing attention on "what really matters" this book encourages the reader to embrace the suffering that occurs throughout life and utilize it as a catalyst for growth and change. The point is emphasized that through the negotiation of loss and suffering one's character is deepened and consciousness can be elevated. This transformation is a necessary step toward healing the wounds of an individual life and toward solving the current life-threatening problems of our society and the entire planet.