Ten Lessons Learned: Gifts from Those Remembered

Before being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, Janet Mary Sinke dedicated her life to helping other people through her career in hospice nursing. Most people would consider hospice nursing the most depressing kind of work. When asked how she could deal with it-caring for the dying-Janet said, "It is a very sacred time in a patient's life. It's a privilege to be part of that intimate circle that touches someone as they prepare to leave this world." She continues, "Each life is deserving of respect and worthy of love - teaching important lessons about the need for hope, love, reconciliation and forgiveness. Each life has the power to make a difference even in the end. As a result, the dying process can hold some of the most beautiful moments in a person's life." Sinke, draws on her experiences as a hospice nurse in writing this collection of gentle reflections. Her ten lessons focus on the importance of Tears, Vulnerability, Forgiveness, Inner Peace, Affection, Celebration, Humor, Kindness, Fun and Remembrance. They address the peace of surrender. The power of forgiveness. The miracle of grace. Sinke chooses the story of a former patient to illustrate each point. Sinke speaks of her own illness and the ways it which it has enriched her life. She talks of the angels in our lives-the helping hand, the caring touch, the soothing voice-and exhorts readers to be of service wherever, whenever they can. In beautiful, lyrical language, this is a treasure of a book-a slender little volume that serves to comfort the spirit and heal the heart. I was so touched by this book, I purchased several copies for friends and family. I've received several written accounts of how this little book is touching lives. Don't miss this one!

Before being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, Janet Mary Sinke dedicated her life to helping other people through her career in hospice nursing. Most people would consider hospice nursing the most depressing kind of work. When asked how she could deal with it-caring for the dying-Janet said, "It is a very sacred time in a patient's life. It's a privilege to be part of that intimate circle that touches someone as they prepare to leave this world." She continues, "Each life is deserving of respect and worthy of love - teaching important lessons about the need for hope, love, reconciliation and forgiveness. Each life has the power to make a difference even in the end. As a result, the dying process can hold some of the most beautiful moments in a person's life." Sinke, draws on her experiences as a hospice nurse in writing this collection of gentle reflections. Her ten lessons focus on the importance of Tears, Vulnerability, Forgiveness, Inner Peace, Affection, Celebration, Humor, Kindness, Fun and Remembrance. They address the peace of surrender. The power of forgiveness. The miracle of grace. Sinke chooses the story of a former patient to illustrate each point. Sinke speaks of her own illness and the ways it which it has enriched her life. She talks of the angels in our lives-the helping hand, the caring touch, the soothing voice-and exhorts readers to be of service wherever, whenever they can. In beautiful, lyrical language, this is a treasure of a book-a slender little volume that serves to comfort the spirit and heal the heart. I was so touched by this book, I purchased several copies for friends and family. I've received several written accounts of how this little book is touching lives. Don't miss this one!

This book from author Janet Sinke is quite a departure from the Grandma and Me picture books she writes for children. The real life stories she shares are truly lessons in life we can all learn from. Some make you laugh, some make you cry.