Meet the Author
Dr. Regina Gerstman holds a doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and taught Human Development for nine years. She is also a licensed clinical social worker who has focused on people in midlife and late life for thirty years, after more than twenty years of working in outpatient mental health. Although Blossom was the first person she spent time with while dying, she more directly participated in the care taking of first her husband and then her mother over the next ten years when they became ill and passed away. Blossom considered Dr. Gerstman to be a scholar and included her in her inner circle ten months before her death.
Details
Format: Audiobook, Paperback, E-book
Pages: 89
ISBN (PB): 978-1-962416-85-6
ISBN (HC): 978-1-962416-86-3
ISBN (e-book): 978-1-962416-87-0
Release date: August 5, 2025
Endorsements
“Gerstman tells the powerful, fascinating, and instructive story of how to have a good and sacred death. Befriending Blossom and learning of her terminal diagnosis takes the author on an emotional and informative journey, combining the metaphysical and the practical with great compassion and humor. A must-read for all of us as we face our final journey.”
–Karen Jones, author of Death for Beginners and The Summer of Grace. www.kjwriter.com
“This is an excellent read for anyone seeking insight into the profound journey of life’s final stages. Gerstman’s book offers a deeply personal and inspiring look at the last nine months of Blossom Flowers Ford Burns’ life, sharing her courageous and thoughtful approach to dying. Blossom’s story is filled with joy, humor, and the wisdom of embracing mortality with open arms.
“Readers will find valuable lessons on caregiving, community, and the beauty that can emerge even in life’s most challenging moments. Gerstman’s intimate portrayal of Blossom’s life and death provides comfort, guidance, and a fresh perspective on how to face the inevitable with grace. Whether you are a caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply curious about the sacredness of dying, this book is a powerful reminder that death can be the natural, sacred experience it was meant to be with the right education, kindness and support.”
–Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN, Founder of Doulagivers Institute
“In her moving new book, Regina Gerstman shares a deeply personal account of entering, observing, embracing, and ultimately absorbing the multidimensional world of Blossom Flowers Ford Burns, a revered Austin feminist elder who was navigating her last year of life. Transformational themes of spirituality, friendship, social connection, positive awe, loyalty, legacy, and ultimately transcendence are well-represented here. As a friend and colleague of Dr. Gerstman’s now for almost fifty years, I’ve had the continued benefit of directly witnessing the ongoing legacy of Blossom in this author’s life. I highly recommend this book to seekers of any age or tradition.”
–Susan Raeburn, PhD, clinical psychologist, author (with Eric Maisel), “Creative Recovery: A Complete Addiction Treatment Program That Uses Your Natural Creativity” Shambhala, 2008
“This is a beautiful story filled with insight, humor, and love. [Regina’s] analytical skills describe the power and greatness of a unique soul friendship that will only grow stronger over time.
Congratulations, Regina! This book you have written is one more way to share Blossom’s sacred light! It is also very helpful in bringing death itself out of the shadow—to find that 90 percent of it is gold!”
–Reverend Peggy Thompson, Board-Certified Chaplain, BFA and MFA from School of Art Institute of Chicago, masters of Divinity from United Theological Seminary, certification in Spiritual Direction, Jesuit Cenacle Retreat Center, member of Minnesota Jung Association.
