Includes index.

Real people: setting the stage for the book
The source of these final conversations
What are final conversations?
Americans and death-why is it so difficult?
Why communicate at the end?
Why look at the livings' (not the dyings') perspective?
I love you . . . goodbye
Loving the dying in intimate relationships
Don't leave yet!
Nothing more to say
Benefits / Summary / Advice
Everyday messages: taking care of business
I'm not dead yet!
Maintaining the relationship for now
Preserving the relationship into the future
Problems with everyday messages
Benefits / Summary / Advice
Grace happens: spiritual messages
Witnessing faith
Experiencing spirit
Creating community
Benefits / Summary / Advice
Beyond words: the power of nonverbal communication
See me; feel me; hear me
The meaning of space and time
The importance of "stuff"
Benefits / Summary / Advice
Heartache released: healing damaged relationships
Cleaning up the mess
Letting go: forgiving, accepting, and acknowledging
Receiving the surprise apology
Closing a door, opening a window
Don't make it worse
Benefits / Summary / Advice
Growing up: maturing through fc-talk
Children's fc-talk: being real
Teens' fc-talk: a crash course in adulthood
Young adults' fc-talk: challenges in changing times
Mature adults: role changes and getting real (again)
Benefits / Summary / Advice
Going on: new directions for the living
A new attitude: lessons learned
New plans, new paths
Benefits / Summary / Advice
You can too: communication skills for fc-talk
Why engage in fc-talk?
How to get ready for fc-talk
When to ask for help
Our wish for you
Epilogue
Appendix.