In this Book

summary
Intriguing parallels arise between contemporary end of life images and themes expressed historically in the writings of Thérèse of Lisieux, the Catholic saint who is known as the “Little Flower.” Drawing on her combined experiences as a professor of the humanities at Rice University, and as an Artist In Residence in Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the author examines topics such as the paradoxical grandeur of small things, the spiritual significance of flowers, compassion and consolation in the wake of human suffering, the power of mystical dreams and prophetic visions, and vibrant conceptions of eternal life. Ultimately, Saint Thérèse’s “little way” and contemporary end of life imagery emphasize the knowledge of the heart, which teaches how to see the hidden in everyday life, and how to recognize the dedication of love.

Table of Contents

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  1. Title Page, Publication Information
  2. pp. i-iv
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  1. Table of Contents
  2. p. v
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  1. Frontispiece
  2. p. vi
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  1. The Two Sides of the Tapestry: The Story Before the Stories
  2. pp. vii-ix
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  1. List of Illustrations
  2. pp. x-xi
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  1. Acknowledgments
  2. pp. xii-xiv
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  1. Chapter One. We Need Lights to See Lights: An Introduction
  2. pp. 1-22
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  1. Chapter Two. We Need Lights to See Lights: An Introduction
  2. pp. 23-50
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  1. Chapter Three. The Grandeur of the Smallest Things: Charity, Caregiving, and the “Little Way”
  2. pp. 51-72
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  1. Chapter Four. The Garden in the Garden: The Spiritual Significance of Flowers
  2. pp. 73-94
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  1. Chapter Five. The Cross and the Crown of Thorns: Sacrifice, Suffering, and Consolation
  2. pp. 95-116
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  1. Chapter Six. “Prayer Burns with the Fire of Love”: Warriors, Faith, and the Courage of the Heart
  2. pp. 117-136
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  1. Chapter Seven. Kissing the Void: Vision and Blindness as the Two Sides of the Veil
  2. pp. 137-160
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  1. Chapter Eight. The Connection is Love: Facing Death and Seeing Life
  2. pp. 161-183
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  1. Note Regarding Issues of Confidentiality
  2. p. 184
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  1. Bibliography
  2. pp. 185-188
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  1. Index
  2. pp. 189-200
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