The Hummingbird

Wow.  This book brought a lot of feelings out in thinking of passed loved ones as they went through the process of dying.  The Hummingbird follows a hospice worker on her case and both patient and hospice worker teach each other important lessons.

It made me think of the night I stayed with my grandma as she passed away.  It made me wish that we would have said more to her, held her hand and acknowledged her more as we sat with her.  Though that was a family full of hurts and not a lot of loving touches, but I do feel like no one should be alone when they pass.  Which is why I stayed that night, even though it was hard for me.  It really wasn't about me.  It was about her and helping her. 

About The Hummingbird

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow (September 8, 2015)

Deborah Birch is a seasoned hospice nurse who never gives up—not with her patients, not in her life. But her skills and experience are fully tested by the condition her husband, Michael, is in when he returns from his third deployment to Iraq. Tormented by nightmares, anxiety, and rage, Michael has become cold and withdrawn. Still grateful that he is home at last, Deborah is determined to heal him and restore their loving, passionate marriage.

But Michael is not her only challenge. Deborah's primary patient is Barclay Reed, a retired history professor and fierce curmudgeon. An expert on the Pacific Theater of World War II, Barclay is suffering from terminal kidney cancer and haunted by ghosts from his past, including the academic scandal that ended his career.

Barclay's last wish is for Deborah to read to him from his final and unfinished book—a little-known story from World War II that may hold the key to helping Michael conquer his demons. Together, nurse, patient, and soldier embark on an unforgettable emotional journey that transforms them all, offering astonishing insights into life and death, suffering and finding peace.

Told with piercing empathy and heartbreaking realism, The Hummingbird is a masterful story of marital commitment, service to country, the battles we fight for those we love, learning to let go, and finding absolution through wisdom and acceptance

Deborah has got to be the most patient woman on earth.  I want to her when I grow up.  I have no idea how she was able to calmly stay silent when her husband did some of the things he did or when her patient said some of the things he did.  Maybe I am just a reactor but I really cannot keep my mouth shut.  Which is probably a character flaw, but I think standing my ground is good. But it probably gets me in trouble.  I digress.

I liked how the author went back on her other patients and told little stories and the lessons they had taught her when she was with them.

This is a book that gets you thinking and handles tough subjects.  War, PTSD, marriage, hospice, family... it's good!

 
What do you know about things that happened in the United States during WWII?  Has anyone you know used hospice care? Do you have someone in your family that you have written out of your life?

I received this book for review but all thoughts and opinions are my own!