Nun's work with hospice patients turns into book

Sister Jean Roche, RSM, director of campus ministry at Maria College in Albany, has compiled the stories of dying people into an inspirational volume.

"What Color is the Other Side of Darkness: Lessons of Living Taught by the Dying" derives from her work with hospice patients and their families for 17 years.

After each story comes a suggested spiritual exercise and meditation.

Green over there

Describing the inspiration for the book, Sister Jean said that "early in my ministry, I visited a woman who was dying of cancer. We talked a lot about darkness and light, death and dying. At one point, she asked me, 'What is on the other side of the darkness?' I responded that I did not know. Being Irish, she said, 'Whatever it is, it must be green.'

"That question lingered with me for a long time. I chose it as the title for the book because it really touches the concerns of the dying and their families. I felt that this was a precious legacy left to me by this woman."

Over the years, the stories of other hospice patients and their families have changed her life, the nun said.

True stories

Heralding their courage in facing the unknown, the book celebrates life and reconciliation through true-life stories.

"I've changed the names of the people to protect their privacy, but their stories are true," Sister Jean said. They testify "to the indomitability of the human spirit. The stories are manifestations of the power and presence of the Divine in the midst of suffering."

The book dispels the myth that the last days of one's life are exclusively experiences of pain and suffering. The stories demonstrate an option of healing interventions through the use of music, meditation, poetry, visualization, life review, creative ritual and prayer.

"It illustrates what people faced with life-threatening illness and what truly matters to them," she noted. "It also celebrates the relationship of family. The end of life is not necessarily a time of pain and suffering alone. Rather, it is a time of transition from this life to eternal life."

Last words

The book includes "a story of one man, who had a wonderful sense of humor," she recounted. "His family was present. During their last conversation, someone made a joke, and he started to laugh. He literally died laughing.

"At first, the family was shocked and saddened, but then realized that this was the way he had lived his whole life. It became the perfect way for him to die -- celebrating a life of love and laughter."

(The book is on sale through the Sisters of Mercy at 437-3000. Sister Jean will be at The Book House in Stuyvesant Plaza for a book signing on Nov. 11, 12-1:30 p.m.)

(10/26/06)