Poetry/Books

The following is an excerpt from an article Elizabeth wrote about her sister; she uses the subject matter often in her Healing Writing, Healing Without Cure and Attitude of Gratitude workshops.

CONSCIOUS WORDS, CONSCIOUS DYING

In one hand I held the "Hospice Handbook" open to a section titled Journey's End: What To Expect and What to Do. In the other hand I held a cell phone.

"You and your family will have to coach your sister to the other side," a nurse was saying. She had told me her name at the beginning of the conversation, but now, five minutes later, I couldn't remember what it was.

"I usually don't say that to most people, but you and your family seem open to the spiritual aspects of the process. You can do it. Read the book, and if you have any questions, please call. We may be able to get to your sister by Tuesday or Wednesday for an hour, but I don't know if it will be in time."

"Yes, thank you," I said. "Whatever you can do will be appreciated."

I was standing outside my sister Paula's home in Sunnyvale, California. Purple honeysuckle were in bloom. Small oranges hung form a near-by tree. A few wispy clouds traversed a baby blue sky. The vibrant colors assaulted my eyes. Another perfect day in paradise. Please God, I thought, don't let me throw-up.


The words we use have the power to define and shape our world. Our happiness. Our sense of purpose and self. As an art and writing educator and inspirational speaker, I say these words often to audiences, have lived by these words throughout my adult life to heal from serious illness and injury, address issues of chronic pain, identify opportunity, choose happiness and find life purpose. Writing and the conscious use of the spoken word can and does foster healing in our lives. And I now know, in our dying process, as well...