"Most of us tend to think of death as a time of loss and pain. Seldom do we imagine it as an adventure with opportunities on the other side of a mountain that we may have spent a lifetime reaching. Our own anxiety tends to block our vision of any potential peace that the dying person may be experiencing. This is a sad loss, for surely we must have learned by now that there can be pleasure in every natural act, including the natural act of dying.
I have not had a great deal of personal experience with death, but the little I know leads me to feel that we do ourselves and dying ones a disfavor to treat it in any other terms than as a time of expectation of an extraordinary experience."
Dr. Eleanor Hamilton
"When a Loved One is Dying Finding Peace in Death"
http://www.grandtimes.com/dying.html
This morning I am praying for my Mother to experience an adventure "on the other side of a mountain." I am thankful, and I believe, that my Mother is experiencing peace in her final journey of life. My Mother has been involved with the Palliative care of Hospice, for the past few months, and the excellent and loving care of the Terwilliger Plaza staff, where she has been living for many years. She is now considered to be in the "active stage of dying." I love the concept of Dr. Hamilton's quote; that death can be "a time of expectation of an extraordinary experience." I want that for my Mother. I have this vision of my Mom and Dad having a celebration in heaven when they will soon be reunited to spend enternity together.
Photo: Mountains of Kauai - 12/10/07
9 comments:
HUGS Pati! Thank you for such a beautiful post and perspective. It is hard for us to let go of those we love; hard to realize that we must so that they can go peacefully. Your reminder is so important. Still, I know this must be so hard. Please know that I'm thinking of you and sending you hugs, love, and gratitude.
Hi Mom,
What a beautiful post. I have found peace in knowing that Grandma has lived a wonderfully delightful life and, furthermore, knowing that she will get to be with the person she loves 'on the other side.'
I love the outlook that you're going into this event with. I'm proud of you and love you.
Jessica
Dear Pati- My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mother. I enjoy reading your blog everyday. Star
Having lost my own mom a year ago from Altzheimer's, I know all too well the emotions of these times.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
~jane
That is an amazing quote that can provide some emotional balance to a difficult situation.
Kevin
Pati,
I am making a copy of your post to hold onto when I am in your shoes. It's speaks for something universal that we don't consider enough.
Thank you so much.
BOnnie
That quote is amazing! I now choose to believe exactly that. Thanks for sharing the story and best wishes to your family at this time.
Pati--
I wish your mother a farewell surrounded by love and an easy journey, and I wish you and your family peace.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who took the time to write your kind thoughts, prayers and encouragement for the journey my Mother and our family is taking. Thank you.
Pati
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