Into Extra Time: Living through the final stages of cancer and jottings along the way

Truthful native of the end of life.

The most powerful segment of this short book is of course the diary. Michael Paul’s enormous intellect, almost without ego, steers us through the ‘waves of fog’ in which body, mind and spirit get frequently engulfed. It is interesting to see what strong faith does – and does not do – for those in their final time.Donal Neary SJ writes the postscript to this book. He also delivered Michael Paul Gallagher’s funeral mass in November 2015. In both he noted a small but significant event. Near the end, Donal blessed Michael Paul who then in turn blessed him back. Perhaps Michael Paul was claiming back some of the agency, of which being a terminal patient robs you.We could also see this book in its various sections of prayer, poem and journal as an ongoing blessing to the reader.Michael Paul signs off with a gentle ‘thank you’.Thank you Michael Paul for this and for all that you have done.[...]

I have always appreciated the books that Michael Paul wrote and this one is no exception. He has a gift for expressing herself clearing and attractively. In this book I appreciaied his honesty, his courage and his trust in the Lord.

a gift to anyone faced with illness even if it isn't final.

Wonderful and thoughtful meditationN

Insightful and thought-provoking