In the Garden once again
Last night I sat with a hospice client who for 10 days had slept under the effects of morphine and anti-anxiety medication without food or water ending the process of this mortal world. Early in the evening her breathing was labored with fluid building in her system then returned to normal again. At the top of each hour, I would rub her head and hands, speaking to her knowing her spirit was listening. Telling her a husband who had left this world close to two-decades ago would taker her the rest of the way. At 3, she was still lingering in this world and at 4 in the morning her cheeks were cool.
Checked for a pulse in her neck and wrist, pressed on the chest and abdomen as well picked up her arms which dropped to her chest. Called to her son who was sleeping upstairs and he put his head to her chest as well and kissed his mama goodbye. Without any signs of distress she left this mortal red. Her love of life was nature, hiking, camping and gardening which brought her the most joy. Earth day 2017 she then departed. As I turned towards a table in the dining room a photo was now on display of her and her husband in silhouette form looking at each other and smiling at each other. I thought of how fitting the photo was to see in the moments now in her home. Heartbeats of the soul are infinite and yet, at one point they cease to exist as part of this world yet never ceasing to exist through others who are touched, heart to heart.
As another son arrived, I learned today was his birthday as well. Having shouldered so much of this final time in his mama's life, he chose to take a predawn walk in her garden which she loved so much returning with a smile. In doing sp, it reminded me of my own father who had requested "In the Garden" as a favorite and was played at his funeral. So tonight, in honor of her, my father, Earth day and the immortality of our heart and soul as being forever I have added the song to the post. God blesses all.
Checked for a pulse in her neck and wrist, pressed on the chest and abdomen as well picked up her arms which dropped to her chest. Called to her son who was sleeping upstairs and he put his head to her chest as well and kissed his mama goodbye. Without any signs of distress she left this mortal red. Her love of life was nature, hiking, camping and gardening which brought her the most joy. Earth day 2017 she then departed. As I turned towards a table in the dining room a photo was now on display of her and her husband in silhouette form looking at each other and smiling at each other. I thought of how fitting the photo was to see in the moments now in her home. Heartbeats of the soul are infinite and yet, at one point they cease to exist as part of this world yet never ceasing to exist through others who are touched, heart to heart.
As another son arrived, I learned today was his birthday as well. Having shouldered so much of this final time in his mama's life, he chose to take a predawn walk in her garden which she loved so much returning with a smile. In doing sp, it reminded me of my own father who had requested "In the Garden" as a favorite and was played at his funeral. So tonight, in honor of her, my father, Earth day and the immortality of our heart and soul as being forever I have added the song to the post. God blesses all.
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