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Despite the cultural differences, they are very similar to people in the United Kingdom and there is no need for me to attempt to translate the clear exposition which Dr. Ross has given us. Others might (and probably will) adopt a different terminology when describing the phases through which the dying patient passes in the course of his illness. Since individual variation is so great, it is unlikely that any one conceptual system could be applied to all. But the overall picture, and the illustrative examples on which it is based, must stand. They stand as a reproach to some, an encouragement to others, and a lesson to all. This book is important reading for nurses, doctors, clergy, and others whose work brings them into contact with the dying. It is also recommended to any reader who refuses to believe that the best way to deal with fear is to run away. * One has the awesome title of The Journal of Thanatology and the other Omega.
There are too many people who have directly or indirectly contributed to this work to express my appreciation to them individually. Dr. Sydney Margolin deserves the credit for having stimulated the idea of interviewing terminally ill patients in the presence of students as a meaningful learningteaching model. The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Chicago Billings Hospital has supplied the environment and facilities to make such a seminar technically possible. Chaplains Herman Cook and Carl Nighswonger have been helpful and stimulating co-interviewers, who also have assisted in the search for patients at a time when that was immensely difficult. Wayne Rydberg and the original four students by their interest and curiosity have enabled me to overcome the initial difficulties. I was also assisted by the support of the Chicago Theological Seminary staff. Reverend Renford Gaines and his wife Harriet have spent countless hours reviewing the manuscript and have maintained my faith in the worth of this kind of undertaking. Dr. C. Knight Aldrich has supported this work over the past three years. Dr. Edgar Draper and Jane Kennedy reviewed part of the manuscript. Bonita McDaniel, Janet Reshkin, and Joyce Carlson deserve thanks for the typing of the chapters. My thanks to the many patients and their families is perhaps best expressed by the publication of their communications. There are many authors who have inspired this work, and thanks should be given finally to all those who have given thought and attention to the terminally ill. Thanks is given to Mr. Peter Nevraumont for suggesting the writing of this book as well as to Mr. Clement Alexandre, of the Macmillan Company, for his patience and understanding while the book was in preparation. (x) Last but not least I wish to thank my husband and my children for their patience and continued support which enables me to carry on a full-time job in addition to being a wife and mother.
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