The Good Goodbye

“This compassionate and gentle read offers invaluable guidance for navigating end-of-life conversations with loved ones. Through heartfelt stories, it helps ease the fear and uncertainty that often accompany this delicate time. Speak from the heart with those you cherish, and let this book be a gift—not only for them but for yourself as well.”— Beth Leconte, executive director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Rhode Island“An important book on a much-needed subject.”— Bronnie Ware, author of The Top Five Regrets of the Dying“An invaluable guide for the most poignant moment each of us will face in life—the death of a loved one. With insight illuminated by years of studying end-of-life conversations, the authors present practical wisdom for making the final goodbye a time imbued with love and grace. This beautifully written book, interwoven with the stories of those who have experienced final conversations with loved ones, offers comfort to the dying and hope for the living.”— Steven A. Beebe, Ph.D., Regents’ and University Distinguished Professor Emeritus, past president, National Communication Association“The Good Goodbye could not be timelier. In a culture terrified of death, it is refreshing to hear stories about the power of connection and communication at the end of life. This book has the potential to truly change lives and relationships.”— Dr. Mark Generous, associate professor, Department of Communication, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona“Maureen and Julie have created an educational and inspiring resource to open our hearts and minds to the many gifts of final communications with our loved ones. These shared words and messages will help us and our loved ones to live presently, to communicate openly and beyond words, and to die peacefully. The conversations, summaries, and tips provide insight, comfort, and helpful discussion starters to help us, at all ages, have a good goodbye.”— Kathy O’Neel Webster, certified death doula“Every day is a gift and a challenge when supporting the Dying. These authors have shared stories, conversations, and helpful tips from the Living who have experienced living with the Dying. This book is a must-read for anyone caring for or supporting a dying relative, friend, or patient.”— MJ Henderson, MS, RN, GNP-BC (retired), gerontological nursing consultant

Maureen Keeley and Julie Yingling’s combined experience totals 65 years of teaching, research, and writing about communication. Julie earned her Ph.D. in 1981 and Maureen received hers in 1994. They met at the University of Iowa, where Maureen was completing her doctorate and Julie was a visiting professor. In 2002, they discovered that no one had taken on the scientific study of how people interact and communicate when one of them is dying. Maureen was the first to see this gap in our knowledge and approached Julie to explore it with her. They wrote Final Conversations: Helping the Living and the Dying Talk to Each Other and it was published in 2007 by VanderWyk & Burnham.