Courage Comes in Many Forms

David G. Hallman speaks with Joyce about his new book, August Farewell, his account of the last days spent with his partner of 33 years, Bill Conklin. Bill was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and they chose to spend those last days of quality time together.  

"A long-term, loving, faith-based relationship is possible," Hallman says.  Dealing honestly and openly with the death of a loved one is possible, including having the courage to say goodbye."

From a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer, it was only 16 days before Bill passed away. The choices they made, and the love and care they shared during those final days is a lesson for us all. David and Joyce talk about the importance of thinking through how we would want the end of our own life to go, and communicating that to our loved ones, so that they are in the position of carrying out our wishes rather than making difficult decisions without our guidance.