The Sundown of Life

The Sundown of Life by Sonia Weyers is a memoir that beautifully documents the author's journey with her parents as they faced the last days of their lives. The book opens with the shocking news that came through the call from her father: ‘With a calm voice, my dad said, “It’s the end. Generalized cancer.”' Learning that her father had metastases in his liver, in both of his lungs, and in several other places in his body was shocking enough. Her mom broke an ankle, had a declining health situation, and the numerous surgeries her father has had to handle are just a few of the challenges thrust at Sonia as she strove to make life most comfortable for her parents in the sundown of their lives. In this book, she shares that journey, spicing the narrative with intimate moments, insights, and lessons to help readers deal with similar situations.

This is a compelling memoir that deals with the emotions readers have when they are aware they might be losing a loved one, and the author does a wonderful job in offering a dazzling portrait of her family, exploring, with forensic clarity, her relationships with her parents, the courage to face the truth when it becomes very uncomfortable and painful, and dealing with loss. Readers will find resources for coping while taking care of their loved ones in the final days of their lives. This book is written in beautiful prose, brimming with insights about life, and filled with lessons on humanity, love, and inner freedom. The epistolary style adds depth to the narrative while crystallizing the bond between daughter and parents. While the book is the story of the Weyers’ unique journey, it provides insights and advice that will help readers navigate complex situations. The Sundown of Life is a wonderful gift of love; it should be read and shared because it explains the wonderful blessing of taking care of our parents and the blessings that come along that journey. It is resonant, captivating, and hugely inspirational.