Waiting For Wings

Waiting For Wings
E.A. Davis
Llumina Press
ISBN: 9781595266828
Non-Ficiton, Health, Spirituality
Reviewed by John R. Clark

Author E.A. Davis has done a noteworthy job of creating a retrospective look at what is perhaps one of the most painful journeys we ever take; sharing the end path of a parent. As one who took care of both my mother and father when they were dying, I found myself nodding in agreement time after time while reading this book. Ms. Davis takes great pains to provide a solid biographical and autobiographical foundation that not only allows the reader to see how she and her mother arrived at the final phase, but more importantly, how she developed insights that led to compassion and self-tolerance-both necessary components in the care of someone with whom you have had a prickly relationship.
There are plenty of books on the mechanics of elder care. This one, however, addresses self-care as well as taking a more holistic look at the dynamics of end-stage institutional care. The author's observations on things like questioning the variety and dosages of medications at the end as well as varying visit times to see the rainbow of care one's family member gets are both helpful and eye-opening. So, too are her personal insights into some of the hidden 'gotchas' involved with pre planned cremation and burial plans.
This is the sort of book I wish I had taken time to write after my experiences with dying parents. However, Ms. Davis has done a far better job with Waiting For Wings. It is one that will provide comfort, courage and relief to many people who embark upon this path.