Stories involving those who care for the dying tend to go way overboard on the touchy-feelies and intentional tear-jerkers. Ugghh. Had I seen this on the bookstore shelf I would have looked right past it... which is why I am extremely grateful to have had this book recommended to me. It’s something of a short autobiography of a hospice volunteer, and how living with the dying shifted her perspective and helped solidify her values. This is not specifically a religious book; many religions are briefly mentioned, and the focus here is more on how we live our lives today than on what may or may not happen afterwards. The author, Barbara Becker, writes with great vulnerability and caring, and her words brought a lump to my throat many times. This book was a powerful antidote to the superficiality our society embraces, and I would recommend it to all.