Chapter 5 "Where's the Map?" Summary and Analysis

Chapter 5 begins the second of three major divisions within the text—Part II - Nearing Death Awareness: What I Am Experiencing. The five chapters of Part II describe the experiences of dying people as they approach death. In general, Nearing Death Awareness involves dying people preparing for travel, perceiving the presence of loved ones who have previously died, perceiving a destination beyond mortal life, and demonstrating prescience about the time of their own impending death. Chapter 5 introduces the concept of Nearing Death Awareness by considering Ellen, a seventeen-year-old student diagnosed with bone cancer. Her disease did not respond to therapy and within several months, she was bedridden. Nevertheless, she completed high school and maintained a positive outlook. Her family and friends rallied around her and supported her through her long illness. Once...