ABSTRACT
Chapter 9 focuses on ways to help families prepare for the death of a loved one and to help aging individualsrestore relationships that have become a source of hurt as they prepare for the end of life. We provide recommendations for families in using the uncertainty and sadness of end-of-life conversations as ways to address instances of injustice and imbalance, pass on wisdom, and craft a meaningful family legacy for future generations. We present two case studies: (1) a patient diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and his process of strengthening his bond with his wife before his death, and (2) a patient diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and her process of saying goodbye to her husband and young children.
