It’s been a busy few months since Marv Taking Charge came out. I continue to learn from my readers and want to share a few of their responses so you can learn too.

In person: A woman caught me after a book talk and said she wished her family would have had access to my book before a relative was diagnosed with a terminal cancer. That relative had chosen treatment because he was advised to do so by his healthcare providers and, according to this woman, he didn’t know or think to ask if he had other options, like refusing treatment. As a result, she said, not only did he suffer greatly from the side effects of his treatment, but the whole family lost a year of their lives as they cared for him.

Learning moment: The time to talk with your family about how each of you might respond to a terminal diagnosis is now. You won’t know until it happens, but the talks will have started you thinking and knowing how your loved ones feel and what you can expect from each other should that diagnosis happen.

In writing: (Your book was) “amazing, sad, funny, sacred, painful, and beautiful…This book is so important in explaining hospice issues and end-of-life concerns. It made me think of what I might want for myself…Everyone should read this book and be grateful for your experience. Readers are better able to decide for themselves what works best for them and their family members.”

Learning moment: The time to think about what you may do in a terminal diagnosis situation is now. The time to learn about your options is now. Read up on hospice care.

In writing: “I…found your experience with hospice was so different than what most of us have experienced with our loved ones; however, I think you and Marv had open communication and he had previous treatment for a cancerous condition. You had a loving relationship as it was clearly told.”

Learning moment: Ask yourself why was this person’s experience with hospice so different from ours? The writer hints at a “maybe” when she comments about our positive communication and relationship and our prior experience. I believe that negative experiences with each other, family, and/or hospice can be greatly lessened or even eliminated by reading, talking, asking questions, and making sure everyone is on the same page. Having open communication is a great start. Your partner, family, and hospice need to know your expectations (and limitations ) and vice versa to be successful.

If you haven’t listened to my podcast yet at Sharing the Heart of the Matter and would like to, here’s the link. It’s about a half hour long. Time to get the dishes done or the washing folded or simply sip your coffee and relax.

If you’ve finished reading your purchased or complimentary copy of Marv Taking Charge, I’d appreciate a two-three sentence review on Amazon at this link. The exact location is at the link.

What’s next for Marv Taking Charge? Watch for ads in the next issues of Calvin Spark and Poets & Writers New Titles. And find me at Printers Row Lit Fest in Chicago this Saturday! Check out the Lit Fest here!

Marv at oncologist visit getting hospice order. 2018.