Following her decades-long career at the bedside as a hospice pioneer and end-of-life educator, Karnes helps us learn how to protect the profound sacredness of death.

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JA: What inspired you to write about death and dying?

Need. I was a hospice nurse in the ‘80s and families had no idea what dying was like. It was at 3am when the goblins always came out. Families needed to know nothing bad was happening. It was my patient’s families that inspired me to write, Gone From My Sight.

JA: What does death literacy mean to you?

It means material and conversations about end of life are understandable for everyone— free of "medicalese."

JA: What is your current state of mind?

I’m dealing with the grief of my husband’s death and learning how to live without a partner of 65 years.

JA: What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Not sure there is “perfect” happiness. Life is about learning and some lessons are hard. Happiness is finding contentment and peace of mind in the moment.

JA: What do you believe is life’s most essential lesson?

Learning how to find joy, peace of mind and fulfillment.

JA: Do you have a favorite quote?

My husband used to say “This too shall pass.”

JA: What are you reading, what’s on your bedside table?

Mitch Albom’s The Little Liar.

JA: Do you have a favorite writer or book?

So many over many years, currently James Patterson, Mick Herron, Mitch Albom. All of James Michener’s, The Source being my favorite. Of all time? may be Illusions by Richard Bach.

JA: What book would you like to be buried with?

I’ve never thought about it. Not sure why I’d want a book buried with me. Would rather leave a favorite book with someone so they could enjoy it as much as I did.

JA: What is your exit plan? How would you like to die?

With family holding hands at my bedside. Then as my body was being taken away, they’d all be standing at the doorstep waving goodbye. We call this family tradition the “Karnes send off” and routinely do it when anyone is leaving our house.

JA: If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what would it be?

Another teacher.

JA: If heaven exists, what would you like to hear when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

“Welcome home.”

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Exit Interviews May Be Gently Edited for Clarity