Gone From My Sight: The Dying Experience
“Gone From My Sight is a gift to all those seeking to understand death and the dying process. It is a valuable resource to both hospice staff and those they serve. We receive rave reviews from family members about The Hospice Blue Book that demystifies the stages of dying and leaves them feeling more prepared, and at ease, as their loved ones’ lives come to a close. Barbara Karnes, RN writes with great clarity and simplicity and this book is proof positive - good things come in small packages.” - Betty Oldanie, RN, BSN, MS, Vice President of Planning, Suncoast Hospice
What are the signs of dying? Death from disease doesn't just occur; there is a process. People die in stages of months, weeks, days, and hours. Having this knowledge will help address the fear of death and dying that most of us bring to the bedside of a person who is dying.
Gone From My Sight a hospice book for families
- significantly improves CAHPS scores and family survey results
- meets Medicare requirements for consistent family education
- is a powerful marketing resource when branded with an agency logo or sticker for more information about branding our booklets CLICK HERE
- is written in large print and non-medical terminology
- is simple and direct, yet gentle
- is available in multiple languages
Agencies use it along with its companion booklet, The Eleventh Hour, as part of their care plan to inform families of the stages of death.
With over 36 million copies sold, the Hospice Blue Book is the most beloved and widely used resource of its kind. Hospice pioneer Barbara Karnes, RN, wrote Gone From My Sight to help people understand the normal, natural stages of dying.
The most frequently asked question Barbara gets from families is “How long?” Gone From My Sight will give as close and accurate an answer to that question as can be provided.
This booklet is included in the End of Life Guideline Series.
To get, Gone From My Sight at a discounted rate, purchase the entire End of Life Guideline Series. Click here
Frequently bought together:
The right words at the right time
I was given a copy of this book at St Joseph's hospice where my wife was spending the last days of her life. I read it immediately and it put into perspective her final months of life. The prayer was especially fitting as we have always loved cruising the seas. I ordered additional copies to share with friends.
BK Books
Peter, I'm glad you found my booklet helpful. I too love to cruise the seas and find the poem comforting. Blessings! Barbara
An Amazing Help
At age 93, after her third hip replacement and with her increased dementia, my mother decided to stop eating and refused to get out of bed at the rehabilitation center where she was staying. An ambulance was ordered and she was returned to her condo in a retirement center. The hospice nurse was leaving just as I arrived. She apologized as she handed me a beat up copy of "Gone From My Sight" that she retrieved from the trunk of her car. She explained that it was the only copy she had left. At my mother's advanced age, very few of her friends were still living and so we decided to have a viewing before the mass which was said for her. My three youngest children had been able to read Barbara's booklet before the viewing and mass, my oldest son had just arrived from out of town and was not able to. He and one of my daughters read a passage during the mass. My entire family, except for my oldest son, was able to peacefully participate in the activities. One of my daughters and my oldest son had a passage to read during the Mass. While reading it, he became very emotional. The other five members of my family were able to calmly participate in the proceedings. Since then, I have purchased about 30 copies of this book to give to friends and family members who are undergoing the loss of a close family member.
BK Books
Hi Marilyn, thank you so much for sharing your experience as your mother was dying and her service. You and your family are an example of how having guidance when death is approaching can bring comfort as grief begin. Blessings to you and your family. Barbara
Thank you
I work for Hospice Austin, and our patients and families find your "Gone From My Sight" book so informative and helpful!
BK Books
Hi Melinda, music to my ears. Families need the support and guidance my materials bring. Good for Hospice Austin. Blessings to you all in the good work you are doing. Barbara
Aveanna Hospice
These books are invaluable for our patients. They are both educational and comforting for familes. This book is a must for any hospice provider.
BK Books
Hi Kim, thank you for your words. Give your coworkers a big hi from me and blessings to you all in the good work you are doing. Barbara
Invaluable tool for families!
As a hospice bereavement coordinator as well as an end-of-life doula, this book provides education and comfort to the families who only have TV and movies as their guide to how death occurs. 99% of people like to know what to expect, so the little blue book starts them on their journey. For that 1% who say they'd rather not know, I just paraphrase what Barbara has already written and give it to them in small doses. Don't know what I'd do without this and all the books Barbara has written! Thank you!
BK Books
Hi Kathy, thank you for the kind words about my booklets. So pleased they are helpful in the special work you are doing. Blessings! Barbara
Please call 360.828.7132 for discounts on orders of 5,000 or more copies.
Booklet orders may NOT be combined using multiple languages to achieve a discount.
Pricing is for each title of booklet.