Good Goodbyes

No matter who we are, where we are from, or what we do, we face one unescapable reality in life – death. Death is our ultimate commonality. It is inescapable, inevitable, and for many, quite frightening. But it doesn't have to be. "Good Goodbyes: A Mortal's Guide to Life" is a resource guide for The End, providing a holistic approach for a universal problem. It's a wake-up call, an organizing system, and inspiration for getting your affairs in order.

No matter who we are, where we are from, or what we do, we face one unescapable reality in life – death. Death is our ultimate commonality. It is inescapable, inevitable, and for many, quite frightening. But it doesn't have to be. "Good Goodbyes: A Mortal's Guide to Life" is a resource guide for The End, providing a holistic approach for a universal problem. This captivating book is a wake-up call, an organizing system, and inspiration for getting your affairs in order. We can't change our ultimate outcome, but it's possible for dying to be more of a transformative passage rather than a medical crisis. Most people don't intend to leave a mess behind, but failing to anticipate and plan ahead results in a chaotic conclusion. Prevent the chaos and plan for this unavoidable yet transformative part of life.

Joan Grey graduated from West Point in the first class with women and was commissioned in the Army in May 1980. She served in the US and Germany as a platoon leader, commander, and staff officer until injuries from a parachute accident led to a medical discharge. The accident ended her military career but opened her eyes to hospital chaplaincy. She completed chaplaincy training and served at Wake Medical Center in NC, Tampa General Hospital and Moffitt Cancer Center in FL. During her husband's military service, frequent moves resulted in an eclectic career path including additional employment as an environmental educator, fundraiser, facilitator, and numerous volunteer positions to include time as a hospice volunteer. In addition to an undergraduate degree from West Point, she has graduate degrees from San Jose State and Harvard. "Good Goodbyes: A Mortal's Guide to Life" distills research from her thesis: "Awakening to Mortality: End-of-Life as Rite of Passage and Pathway to Transformation", which fulfilled requirements for a Master's in Religion from Harvard. A September 2021 diagnosis of pancreatic cancer has provided an opportunity to test and validate the premise of Good Goodbyes – preparation before expiration makes it possible to live fully and consciously all the way until the end.