Many of us fill our lives with so much work, entertainment, and fluff that we fail to consider the reality that our personal journeys on earth must someday come to an end. This collection of essays and articles points out that human existence is a fragile, terminal gift. Accepting that encourages us to live dynamic, purposeful lives. Combining insights from thought leaders in the fields of medicine, mental health, and religion, as well as hospice, funeral directors, and those who have faced life-threatening situations, the writers and editors of this book share their honest, open views about death, dying, and the possibilities of an afterlife. Enormously compelling and easy to read, the book calls us to engage in passionate, meaningful living in the here and now. Start making every day count with Reflections on Mortality. I found the book helpful in setting out so many issues surrounding our death and dying. His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops I found myself asking, "Why wasn't a book of this scope and impact available until now?" It is a true gift to all of us. Robert J. Wicks, Psy.D., author of Perspective: The Calm within the Storm; Bounce: Living the Resilient Life