It Is What It Is by Julie Saeger Nierenberg

Julie Saeger Nierenberg is a freelance writer, editor, lifelong educator, and artist. Inspired by the experience of her father’s dying and death, Julie published a short memoir called Daddy, this is it. Being-with My Dying Dad (2013). This book launched a true journey of connection, as Julie reached out to share it with those who assist the dying and bereaved. She then received numerous end-of-life perspectives from others, some of which are available in Journey’s End: Death, Dying and the End of Life. Writing and publishing in this heart-led direction, Julie hopes to contribute to a cultural shift in how we prepare and support others in the final chapter of life. In 2015, a meningioma was discovered in Julie’s brain. Though the tumor is not cancerous, it is located in a very serious place, right on top of her optic chiasm where the two optic nerves cross and wrapping around the internal carotid artery. She was already starting to lose her vision when the tumor was identified. A decision had to be made: should she undergo a very risky surgery to remove it or choose fractionated radiation treatment? To discern the best path forward, Julie began a journey of many doctor visits and much intense research. In the end the choice came down to this: what outcomes could she live with? It Is What It Is was written as she lived the day-to-day process. Readers get a front-row seat to Julie’s difficult path and ultimate choice.