An indispensable guidebook for family members and friends, hospice workers, religious leaders, counselors, and medical providers For end-of-life companions, Parting offers the collective wisdom of people from many cultures and faith traditions as a "travel guide" for helping a terminally ill relative or friend toward a peaceful transition from this life. Sections of the book discuss how to cross the bridge from ordinary conversation to spiritual reflection; how to provide comforts for the body, mind, and soul; and how to care for yourself while concentrating on the needs of another. Transcending any specific religion or culture, this handbook addresses universal spiritual needs that can be met through meaningful human relationships as well as individual faith. "Why are we here? How can we understand and find meaning in suffering? What is death, and what happens after death? ...[This volume] serves as a practical guide to how people who are dying tend to approach these questions and how their friends and family may act as companions to accompany them on this final journey.