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Deborah Harkin

Shared Crossing: The Final Journey

About the book

What happens when we die?

In this captivating memoir, Deborah Harkin takes readers on a thought-provoking exploration of the mysteries surrounding death and the profound connections that can be forged between the living and the dying. Drawing upon her own experiences with her mother, Harkin delves into the realm of shared crossings, where extraordinary encounters offer glimpses into what lies beyond.

As her mother’s health deteriorates, Harkin finds herself immersed in a world where discussions about death take on an unexpected vitality. With a background in psychology and an internship under the tutelage of William Peters, a renowned figure in end-of-life studies, Harkin is uniquely prepared for the journey that awaits her. Yet, despite her knowledge, she discovers that she must navigate uncharted territory.

In a captivating blend of personal memoir and enlightening research, Harkin weaves a tapestry of extraordinary experiences, blurring the boundaries between the physical and the spiritual. Through her heartfelt storytelling, readers are invited to witness the challenges of caregiving alongside the awe-inspiring possibilities that emerge in the face of mortality. Her memoir is a gentle yet powerful testament to the reality of shared crossings and the transformative power of love and connection.

"A truly beautiful book! Deborah Harkin takes on the big existential questions about dying, death, and life itself as she unfolds her intimate end-of-life journey with her beloved mother. She leaves no stone unturned in her thoughtful, tender, and riveting account. Dr. Harkin offers the reader a groundbreaking perspective for living life's final chapter with a forgotten wisdom and courageous love. Put your seat belt on as this deeply honest memoir will bring you to tears, unexpected joy, and sublime peace!"

William Peters

MFT Founder of the Shared Crossing Project, and author of At Heaven’s Door

“Eloquent and moving. A deep dive into the gifts and challenges of caregiving and accompanying the dying. Read this book—you will laugh, you will cry and you will be grateful.”

Dr. Monica Williams

Emergency Physician and author, It’s OK to Die

“Deborah Harkin’s book brings into sharp focus that spiritual experiences are mysteries to be appreciated rather than events to be explained. Deborah’s journey to embrace her own experiences around end of life can serve as a model for readers to be more receptive to those elusive moments of transcendence and wonder.”

Michael Kinsella, Ph.D.

Hospice Spiritual Counselor and Religious Studies Scholar

"From a joyful and magnetic cover image to its bittersweet ending, this memoir is a study of love and compassion in action as Deborah interacts with her colorful mother in her waning days. My favorite story in the book begins on page 12 with the section My Mother, the Wild Woman, which begins with mom lassoing an alligator and ends with amateur surgery on a deeply wounded cat. In the end the author wonders “What happens when we die?” while skillfully showing us a wonderful life."

Paul Perry

Co-author with Raymond Moody, MD, PhD, of Proof of Life After Life

“In the universe, there are things that are known, and things that are unknown, and in between, there are doors.”

—William Blake

About Deborah

“Like a jewel-cut prism, experience and the meaning ascribed to it will be shaped by focus—by which facets the light strikes and is reflected back to the observer.”

Deborah Harkin holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialty in Somatic Psychology and serves as a Marriage and Family Therapist at the Family Therapy Institute in Santa Barbara.

Deborah brings a rich professional background encompassing social services, business, arts, and education. She has contributed to the academic community by publishing scholarly articles in the USA Body Psychotherapy Journal, based on her doctoral research on the adolescent brain.

Deborah’s passion for cultural diversity is evident through her extensive travels across Europe, India, and Southeast Asia. In her free time, she enjoys the study of history, the beauty of nature, and expressing her creativity through photography and dance.

Other Media

“Shared Crossing – The Final Journey: A Memoir is more than just a memoir; it’s a heartfelt exploration of life’s most profound questions, presented through the lens of personal experience and deep emotional connection. It stands as a testament to the power of love and spirituality in facing life’s most challenging moments.”

– Literary Titan, 5-Star Gold Book Review

“A reflective and touching memoir.” -

“An emotionally powerful narrative that is bound to resonate with anyone who has ever lost someone they love.”