On Angel’s Eve: Making the Most of Your Final Time Together

Growing numbers of people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of saying, I love you and good-bye to those on the threshold of death. It is a poignant, powerful time. As human beings, we are all fragile and the fear of dying is something everyone shares. When we face death, we face an uphill climb to conquer this fear, but it is a journey that can be made successfully, especially with the support of those we love. As a hospice chaplain and spiritual mentor, Garnette Arledge has helped hundreds of people through this time of approaching death, which she refers to as Angel’s Eve. It is a time in which the anxiety and fear of dying is replaced with the calming presence of Angels - the children, siblings, parents, partners and dear friends who help fill last moments together with remembrances, reconciliation and even forgiveness. On Angel’s Eve is a guidebook for these comforters of the dying. Through her hands-on involvement and the knowledge gained from world traditions on death and dying, Arledge shares the tools and skills that help make this a time of happiness and fulfilment rather than one of fear and anxiety. In addition to helping alter negative views of death, she offers practical suggestions for passing bedside time together with activities such as administering therapeutic massage, having taped conversations, relaxing through breathing techniques and using laughter to lift spirits. On Angel’s Eve is designed to replace the final moments belonging in myth to the Grim Reaper with the blessing of a gathering of Angels.