Since the beginning of recorded history on this Earth, human beings have had to deal with the heartfelt sadness and grieving experienced with the process of dying and death. Even though as the quote goes, "The only things for certain in life are death and taxes", many of us, in fact, most of us, have or have had fears or anxieties about death and dying.

Whether our concern is for ourselves, our children, our spouse or other people for whom we care very much about, death is an unwelcome occurrence. Even though we know in our hearts that it is inevitable, we often skirt around the issue. We may joke about it, watch dramatic, suspenseful, horror filled and violent movies for entertainment, view the nightly news to keep informed and have our heads filled with countless incidents of death and sorrow, read fictional stories of suspense, murder and drama, listen to ballads and songs or read poems about the subject of death, however, not many of us really feel prepared and ready to face grief, dying and death.

Its mystery and its reality clings to us always as an invisible cloak that we must somehow be ready to put on at any time. We cherish our time together with our loved ones, and cling to one another in anticipation of another tomorrow that we hope will always come.

We fear death because of the unknown, because of fears of harsh judgments we might face, the pain of leaving or losing those we love, fears of the physical pain of death, and because it is so hard to imagine the end of who we are.

Throughout history this taboo and frightening subject of death and dying has been a prominent and necessary subject because it is so important to all people everywhere. Over the last several years this subject has been re-examined by psychologists, theologians, physicians, scientists, and many others through their writings in books, journals, and articles. One of those recent books that will bring incredible comfort, information, inspiration, and hope is called "Into the Light" by Dr. John Lerma, who is a hospice doctor and has been lovingly present during the dying process and death for many.

Taking the time to read this informative and inspiring book will truly touch your heart.  Dealing with death and dying, that we all must face, will never be quite the same.