Counting Down the Breaths

Drawing from his own experiences, Bill Cushing delivers a compassionate and honest account that resonates with anyone who has lost—or fears losing—a loved one to cancer or other terminal diseases. Based on personal experience and inspired by a profound passion for the subject, Counting Down the Breaths is written to educate and inform readers about the realities of end-of-life circumstances, particularly for caregivers and families navigating the emotional and practical challenges of terminal illness. Cushing’s narrative stands apart by providing not only a firsthand perspective on caregiving but also by sharing the intimate journey of enduring and surviving the loss of a beloved partner.

Early reviewers have praised the book’s blend of honesty and beauty. Lenora Rain-Lee Good, author of Saying Goodbye to Thomas, calls it “one of the most beautiful, honest, and poignant love stories I’ve read… This is a story of real people who loved each other, and how they lived a beautiful marriage, until it ended, and how Bill worked through his grief, and found the light at the end of the tunnel was, truly, the sunshine outside showing life. I recommend [it] to anyone who facing the death of a loved one, or who is grieving that death. This is a book of healing.”

Louise Dunn, author of Like Snow Falling in Summer, adds, “Rich with fond memories, and interspersed with humor, this story is much more than a sad tale of a loved one lost to cancer. It is also a love story, and a story of personal growth as the author shows us, with clarity and perception, how the saddest of endings can shape us in a way that leads to new beginnings.”

The memoir is especially timely, connecting with ongoing conversations about healthcare, patient advocacy, and the complexities of end-of-life care. Cushing’s work offers guidance and solace to caregivers, encouraging them to ask questions, seek support, and advocate for their loved ones while also sharing the raw, universal emotions of grief and healing.