GOING HOME: What to Do When Somebody Dies [Paperback]

A sensitively-written blend of practical and spiritual advice on the subject of death. Canon Michael Cole has proven his ability as a communicator and here he applies it warmly and skilfully to this increasingly taboo yet unavoidable area of experience. Though brief, the author deals with all the major questions and practical needs in this little book, and it is to be hoped that it will be widely read and recommended both for people going through grief and those facing it. But it is not all practical common sense. There is a lovely devotional strain which really comes out in the last three chapters, breathing confidence, love and hope. We do not have all the answers, but we do have the main ones, and Canon Cole has spelled them out in a sensitive and convincing way. Warmly recommended.

Essex rector Canon Michael Cole has written this book drawing on more than thirty years of pastoral experience. In a nutshell it is a personal, practical and pastoral journey through bereavement. In fact, it is subtitled, "What to do when somebody dies". Death is a certainty of life (should the Lord tarry) and Michael Cole helps us in ten straightforward chapters to answer such questions as "How do I arrange a funeral?" "How can I care for the dying?" "What can I believe about death and afterwards?" I'm sure that those bereaved or caring for the dying will find much comfort from this book.

What to do when death seems close, either just before, or just after, someone dies. A useful support for ministers' visits. Well reviewed for its chapters on speaking to children about death.

We all have to face death, and most of us look for help and assurance. Going Home provides answers to such questions as: What happens when I die? What can I believe about death and afterwards? How do I arrange a funeral? How can I care for the dying? How do I deal with my reactions to death? How do I cope with the death of a child? How can I make a fresh start in life after death of a loved one?

Michael Cole is Vicar of All Saints, Woodford Green, Essex, and is the author of a number of books as well as contributing to magazines.