The Final Deadline: What Death Has Taught Me About Life

In an accessible, thoughtful, and often entertaining way, theologian and spiritual leader Glaser (Come Home! Reclaiming Spirituality and Community as Gay Men and Lesbians) explicates his personal experiences with death. Gleaning wisdom from his several callings—as a gay Christian minister, activist, and caregiver during the AIDS crisis, and, most significantly, as a writer—Glaser examines death's harsh realities and suggests the benefit of viewing death as a "kindly if awesome teacher about what is vital, important, and ultimate." With compassionate introspection as well as a touch of gallows humor, Glaser unpacks his own reactions to deaths he personally experienced: his grandmother's, from illness; accidental deaths of classmates; public deaths (such as JFK's); murders; suicides; AIDS deaths; even a beloved pet's death and a relationship's end. By sharing personal stories of his gratitude at being present for a loved one's final breath, his shock at learning of a colleague's murder, and his regret at an estranged friend's unexpected death, Glaser provides an honest and hopeful witness to death's lessons for the living. (Sept.)