FOREWORD

Death is the final frontier and something for which most of us are ill prepared. Elisabeth Kübler- Ross said it best when she stated, “Death is the final stage of growth.” In my 35 years of working with dying patients and their families, as well as teaching classes in death and dying, I have always thought a “how to” book would be beneficial. It would have been so helpful to my patients and their families and an important teaching tool in classes on death and dying as well as adult development. We have books and manuals on how to prepare for childbirth and how to parent, but there was nothing on how to prepare for death.

Then along came Holley Kelley. It’s rare that one comes across someone with the insight and talent that Holley possesses. From the very first day I met Holley in class, I knew she was destined to do something important in the field of death and dying. She did not disappoint. Holley demonstrated an uncanny ability to take a taboo subject and developed a step-by-step way of helping people prepare for end-of-life issues in a warm, compassionate, empathic manner.

Sunrises and Sunsets is a compelling book that provides powerful and practical information on approaching death and dying as well as life and living. Holley has developed a way of approaching and preparing for life’s final stages in a comprehensive yet caring way. She does this in a non-threatening, gentle manner and even includes a bit of humor.

The information contained in this book is groundbreaking—finally someone has let death and dying out of the closet and into the mainstream. Finally, someone is willing to discuss it in an open, straightforward manner. From the introduction to the last chapter, this book is chock full of practical, important information presented in a straight-forward way that will appeal to everyone. Indeed, it will help people prepare for their final stage of growth.

This book belongs in everyone’s home. Give it as a gift for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Hanukah. Will the recipients initially be offended? Perhaps. However, I guarantee that once they begin reading this book, they will be absorbed in the content and will ultimately write you a very fine thank you note.

I just cannot say enough positive things about Holley and Sunrises and Sunsets. She recognized and seized an opportunity to fulfill a much needed niche and she ran with it. I am honored, proud, and humbled that she was my graduate student. I predict this will be a best seller.

Dr. Bonnie J. Kin

Director, M.S. Applied Gerontology

Professor, Psychology

BrenauUniversity, Gainesville, GA