Launching Vee’s Chariot

An End-of-Life Tale

by Kate Riley


Select Format

Softcover
$17.95
Softcover
$17.95

Book Details

Language : English
Publication Date : 17/05/2016

Format : Softcover
Dimensions : 5.5x8.5
Page Count : 108
ISBN : 9781504356527

About the Book

Dying a good death is Vee Riley’s final wish, and she believes a good death is a conscious death. In the grip of end-stage cancer, she decides how she will interact with her deteriorating physical condition, while letting go of family and friends, her home, and her independence. For most of her life, Vee pursued a daily spiritual practice that included artwork, writing, meditating, and communing in nature, and she devoted herself to compassionate service enriching the lives of hundreds. Now, at 87, Vee knows the door to life is closing, and she valiantly engages her daughter Kate as her ally. Vee’s goal is to die at home, but the process is not as straightforward as she envisioned. Mother and daughter find themselves entering the mystery, where they apply the wisdom of mutually intelligent hearts to overcome each obstacle that threatens to derail them from fulfilling Vee’s ultimate goal. With fortitude, integrity, and compassion, Kate supports her mom every step of the way home. Vee’s death is not pretty, but it is enlightening. Her final act takes us through a labyrinth, and the supernova of Vee’s leave-taking illuminates a way for all who choose to live consciously into death. “This is a conversation so real and engaging you feel like you are right there with this strong and articulate mother-daughter pair as they work together to find their way through to the end. This is a book to read and keep: you will want your family to read it when your time comes, and you will want to read it while caring for one of them. It is a gift, a comfort, and a treasure.” Bonnie Vestal, M.D., Pediatric Oncologist and Medical Counselor, retired


About the Author

Kate Riley is a certified death midwife, minister, educator, advocate, international story consultant, and author. She embarked on her life purpose in the field of death and dying after completing her hospice training in 1988. Kate had no idea at the time where it all would lead. Kate lives in Idaho where she works as a home funeral guide and advocate/liaison for the dying and their families. Connecting with nature helps to renew her spirit, and she lives life passionately, spontaneously. Kate looks forward to traveling to Spain in the near future to visit her son, Sean, and his wife, Karolina.