"The Mountain and the Shadow" is a courageous journal of a beloved man's illness and death from a perspective far outside mainstream religions. When her husband decided to end all treatment for his cancer, the author journaled the wonders and events that took place during his "Final Journey". She unblinkingly chronicled the challenges, hope, love, and other-worldly events that took place during this time, including the mysterious "Bird Woman" whose consistent message of strength supported them.