Deborah Boles Waterman graduated from Hope College, Holland, Michigan in 1969 with a degree in psychology. She taught elementary school in northwest suburban Chicago from 1980 - 1998. She has had three years of theological training, and two years of Clinical Pastoral Education at Wausau Community Health Care Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Deb began Hospice volunteer work in 1985, and became a Hospice chaplain in 2007 after further study of family systems theory. She is currently working as the non-denominational chaplain for Star Hospice in Waukegan, Illinois. There, her responsibilities include liaison work, helping families and individuals new to Hospice understand the philosophy and services available to them; spiritual assessments helping patients discern the spiritual strengths they bring to their prognosis, as well as helping them understand their spiritual issues. It is a spiritual goal for all Hospice patients and families that there be a peaceful acceptance of that prognosis which enables a peaceful death. She is also the volunteer coordinator, responsible for training new volunteers and assigning volunteers to patients who benefit from volunteer services.

Deborah Waterman is available for book readings, speaking engangements, and book signings. To inquire about booking her for your next event, please contact her.

Special thanks are due to Diane Krupka, CEO of my "cheerleader" friends for her optimism, enthusiasm, and for helping plant the seeds for the very idea of this book! Also thanks to my cousin, Beverly Bennett, who believes in me and in this project with unwavering support. A big thanks, also, to Cathy Monroe, RN, Director of STAR Hospice, for help with statistics and added learning; to Patty Grovesnor, RN for the mantra "Everyone has their own journey;"to Mary Weeler, RN, Bereavement Coordinator (St. Mary of the Bereaved), who teaches me something valuable almost every time she talks with me, and shares so willingly her wisdom and experience. Also, to all the nurses and staff at STAR, Dr. Ninad Dixit, MD., Mary Jo Cavanaugh, Kendall Inman, RN., Rachel Steele, RN, Pat Mraz, RN, Jacki Wiberg, RN, Barb Bailey, LSW, Helen Getchell, RN, and Susan Foster, RN; our CNAs, Betty Jones, and Ericka Jones, Deacon Mike Penich and Chaplain Nancy Lou Kelley; each of whom is so generous in sharing knowledge and experience, and to all the patients and families in Hospice, who, in a time of great vulnerability, share their feelings and processes with such graciousness and openness - a very humbling experience! To Hospice volunteers, who are inspirational in their never-ending willingness to give of their time and compassion. Also, thanks to Peter Kristan of Kristan's Funeral Home, Mundelein, Ill.

With gratitude for the memory of my friend, Jennifer Schrader, who inspired me with her courage, beauty and determination.

Thanks also to William Tallevast, Ph. D., M.Div., an excellent CPE instructor, who taught me the value of intense introspection, the importance of listening to what's being said, what's not being said, and the ways and means in which it takes place.

There are a few friends who have encouraged me, inspired me by their own accomplishments, and who have been real cheerleaders. These include Betty Hartman, Rita Hubbard, Joan Meehan, Jane Hager, Polly Moran, and Judy Nelson, Ph.D.

Much gratitude is extended to Web Solution Shack, to Matt Rabe, Erin Marie Willians, and Kyle Marx for creative thinking, hard work, and extreme patience. I love Kristen Lassen Hunt's illustrations for this book, and am also grateful to Frank Price for the night sky photo.

I also extend heartfelt thanks to my family for their support: my husband, Jack, for hours of computer help and for financial aid; to our children, Sarah, Katherine, Chris, Rebecca and Tim Chang; to all their children, to my mom, Marjorie Boles Thieken, with love; for all other family and friends who believed in me!

Questions? Comments? Please contact Deborah Waterman at:
Email: deb.waterman@comcast.net