The first story in the book involves a middle-aged woman, Anne-Marie Wilson, and her diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the colon. Previously in Anne-Marie’s life, her relationships between members of her family had been rocky. Anne-Marie’s sister, Kathy, had an affair with her husband, ending the marriage and putting a damper on their relationship. After Anne-Marie’s diagnosis, she debated on whether or not she should share the news with Kathy, being reluctant because their mother had died from colon cancer. With this aside, Anne-Marie’s cancer began to spread and in deciding to refuse the treatment of chemotherapy, she felt as though it was best for her to tell her sister. In telling her, she was amazed by the reaction she received. Because of their relationship status over the years, she was surprised when Kathy welcomed her with open arms and insisted that Anne-Marie move in so she could be her caregiver. Anne-Marie and Kathy spent endless amounts of time together, sharing stories from the past and discuss things important to Anne-Marie future. One of Anne-Marie’s biggest fears was dying without dignity. Anne-Marie was not just a consumer of things; she consumed life. Big appetites, bold gestures, and bright appearances were her trademarks (45). During the dying process, things were no different. She was in her recliner, her hair in curlers, and Kathy was giving her a manicure (50). As the end grew nearer, Anne-Marie voiced a few concerns. “I don’t want to have pain. And I don’t want to smell.” (52) She was promised these would not be an issue. It was not long before sleep consumed most of Anne-Marie’s days and eventually she slipped into a coma. One morning to Kathy’s dismay, she checked in on Anne-Marie to find her laying her in her urine, dripping wet; giving the inclination something was wrong with her catheter. Kathy called the hospice nurse and was assured there would be help over right away. Anne-Marie was lying in a small pond of urine. It was seeping into her hair and beginning to soak through the protective mattress pads on her bed (56). The team worked to clean her up. When they finished, Anne-Marie was gorgeous. She lay in fresh sheets, smelling of her favorite perfume, her hair soft and curly, her make-up smooth, her complexion rouged. As the women stood beside her, she sighed deeply and breathed no more. (57) Anne-Marie was able to die with her dignity, thanks to those who loved and cared for her. And to her, this meant, “dying well”.

This last story is a little different. Another individual, Steve Morris, achieved his dignity during the dying process by “not dying as he lived, but instead, changing in remarkable ways” (140). Around the age of fifty-five, Steve developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from years of heavy smoking, and faced the prospect of dying. He was a loyal but unaffectionate husband and a demanding father of grown children. The dying process was coming closer to its end and Steve was becoming more nervous, more dependent, and his pain was increasing. He had neglected to talk to his children about everything that was going on and how his condition was worsening. Dr. Byock suggested that Steve use the time he had left to do things and spend time with loved ones, telling him to share his stories of his life as a horseman and rodeo competitor with them. From this suggestion, Steve retrieved all of his trophies, buckles, ribbons, etc and placed them in a box with his children and loved one’s names on specific items. He called everyone to tell them what he had done and that their items could be picked up. Over that next week, his children, niece, and friend from Rolling Hills Stables came by in the evenings and weekends to get their souvenirs. “Dot, Steve’s wife, said the visits were unlike any others. Steve not only gave them their mementos, but also added his memories about when and how he won them”. (148) A few w

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