Laura Grossman’s book (posthumously published) is now available. It is entitled, Prepare for the Kingdom: A 
Journal of Hope in the Face of Death. She asked me to publish this, which is a collection of her reflections upon her approaching death while she was suffering with terminal cancer. I have added fairly extensive commentary of my own, along with some personal reminiscences. I think it will be a valuable resource for anyone who is either aware that death is imminent or who has loved ones who may be approaching death. To order, click on the “Abbot’s Joseph’s Books” link in the Blogroll column. It will also soon be available at Amazon, but at this writing it is not.
Here is the book description from the back cover:
“You are going to die. And I am going to die. This is an indisputable and inescapable fact of the human condition. While our eventual (and perhaps imminent) death is inevitable, there are some things not yet decided. Where will your soul go when it departs your body at the hour of death? How will you approach and prepare for death so that your soul will find everlasting peace and blessing? How will you assist a dying loved one?
“In Prepare for the Kingdom, Laura Grossman shines a light for us on that obscure path which all must walk, yet from which no one returns. After being diagnosed with cancer, she had three years to prepare her soul to meet her Creator and Lord. For ten months of the last year of her life, she wrote down her thoughts and reflections, her hopes and fears, concerning her approaching death. God had led her through the difficult yet indispensable process of repentance, of turning gradually but wholly toward Him, while He strengthened her with faith, hope, and love along the way. This unique book is her journal, with some added commentary, of her courageous walk toward the final frontier of life, supported by divine grace and the prayers of her loved ones. Since you must one day make this journey—perhaps sooner than you think—you may wish to gain the insight and wisdom of one who has gone before you, who has written of her hope for the Life that is beyond death. Preparing yourself to die in God’s grace is the most important thing you will ever do.”
I hope and pray that this book will reach the hearts of many and open their eyes to the need to reconcile with God and be prepared to meet Him when they are called to leave this passing life. Too many people seem unconcerned with eternal truths and the necessity of doing the will of God in this life so that we can find everlasting happiness in the next. This book is a kind of wake-up call, as well as an opportunity to follow the final journey of one who writes from the experience of meeting the advent of death with courage and faith. You will get to know her by entering into the mystery of her suffering and her hope, and perhaps you will finish this book having gained a new friend in Heaven, who will pray for you when it is time for you to make that same journey.
We pray every time we say the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy Kingdom come.” Well, it is coming. Let us prepare…
