While poignant and wrenching, dying, like all of life, presents precious gifts to those who are willing and able to engage in its process. Nothing brings existential questions to the fore like impending death. As much as death leaves in its wake deep loss, dying itself can be an experience as vital as any other part of life: thinking gets focused, priorities are ordered and relationships gain clarity. Shards of light pierce the darkness. Dying Words is both the true story of one couple in the last 10 days of life and the impetus for talking points for other mortals. Each chapter both educates and illustrates a common aspect of end of life care and encourages patients and their loved ones to participate actively in the often intimidating health care system which threatens to engulf individuals. In spite of the nature of its focus, Dying Words is a book full of hope and promise.