“My children have come home to watch me die,”
she tells her doctor, repeats to me, #5, when I arrive.
“You leave the world the same you came in,” Doc said,
as if that makes sense, as if that offers comfort.
“We don’t want to see you suffer anymore,” I offer.
She agrees, tired of the pain. 92 and nothing but pain.
It’s not death that she fears – she’s ready –
it’s the dying – not knowing how it will happen.
“Will you be with me? When the time comes.”
I will. Just as I did with a sister, two cousins,
father, an aunt, and countless others.
“Angel of Death,” a nurse called me once.
I shrugged: “Would you want to die alone?”
Death, I do know, is like birth,
in that the timing is unpredictable.
So, together, we’ll wait –
biding our time, talking about the present,
reflecting on the past, wondering what lies ahead.
Not all transitions, I’ve learned, are alike.
(I’ve returned home to be at my mother’s side, although, as the poem indicates, she may survive the current setback. I’m linking this up to Manic Mondays 3 way prompt: reflection, and my own weekly challenge: transition.)
I’m so sorry, V.J. My thoughts are with you and mom. ❤️
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Thanks, Dorinda. Hope you are well.
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I’m getting there, just saw the dr, another this afternoon, and more tests, but such is life. I’m breathing so it’s a great day!! How are YOU doing? ❤
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I am ok. Getting by one day/ hour at a time
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Hang in there…better days ahead ❤
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Praying for peace and comfort for all of you as you go through this difficult time V.J.. Whatever the outcome, I’m sure your Mom is glad you’re there. Sending hugs.
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She is so happy to have me home, although she worries more about me than she does herself.
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I’m sure your presence is of immense comfort to your mother, V.J. May you wisdom and experience carry you through this difficult time, even if it’s not quite time yet …
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Thanks Heide. She is very appreciative of my presence.
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A beautiful poem of wisdom!
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Thanks Dwight.
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So sorry V.J.
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Thank you.
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Awe… Heartbreaking…
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Thank you.
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You’re most welcome!
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