Marking the Sweet Moments Last
Every morning this week I have climbed in bed with my dad, it has been a sweet time while my dad dozes I sketch in my sketch book. Notice his feet bumps on the left side of the bed and mine on the right.
I’ve been up with my parents since Monday and will be here for the foreseeable future my Dad started on hospice this week. His pain is being managed – His energy is low but he continues to walk and sleep in his own bed with his wife of 61 years, for now he is eating and enjoying a iced mocha or a gin and tonic here and there. His sense of humor is good and his sense of peace at where things are is clear. When he came home from the hospital this last week he was full of tubes and bags, his quality of life has shrunk. He is sanguine, he feels he has had a good life, right now is a struggle and he is ready. The whole family is on board and supportive. We three sibs are rotating staying here to help in this journey to support both my parents and now getting some blessed extra support from hospice.
When asked by the social worker if he had anxiety or fears about what happens when he dies he recalled something a rabbi once told him “when a baby is in the womb he isn’t scared about what is next, there is a powerful commotion and one existence ends and another begins” that is how he feels- he is ready, this life has almost come to term. We are all here to help him and my mom, hospice is the midwife. What is next is unknown
We are all trying to just be present to deal with what is required in the moment, to enjoy, to joke, to cry, to laugh, to hug, to hold….
Thank you for your love and friendship out there in virtual community land. I know I am being held by your love and concern,
😢😊😍😞😳😘(range of emotion)
Lisa
Espirational
We will be keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Vivian Helena
Blessings to you and your family.
Anne R. Blanton
Yes indeed, held closely Lisa. How wonderful you are there to help support. I now have all of your family in my prayers. Love, anne
Jane
We are there with you in spirit Lisa.
This page and your reflection is beautiful. As is your sketch and the view your dad has from his bed both put the window and by his side.
I remember my days snuggled up with my dad at his end. When conversation was no longer possible I say as many songs as I good remember from roadtrips I had taken with him when a child. He seemed to enjoy that. For me it was my way of preping him for the journey. I love your comparison to birth. I’ve never heard that before, I will remember that for the future.
We pray for you dad, you and you family as you travel this journey together. May it be as comfortable as possible and though difficult may your love for each other help you over the roughest parts. May Gods powerful hands support you, his guiding hands lead you, and his loving hands enfold you. May you be the hands of God for each other. ❤️
Rick
Hold the treasures of this perspective dear. There is so much wisdom and grace shining through when, at the crossroad, you feel peace even as the road bumps you hard in that final walk home. It is such a true testament to a victorious life lived fully over the shadow of a moment’s suffering . We are sending our prayers to you and your family, and know that this process draws on every ounce of the human experience. You are all at the table, and this wraps you in a healing power that will carry you through. We are here for you as well, lean on us. Please send our love to your Dad and your family from us.
A Threshold Choir Singer
Lisa, you were the one who told in your blog about the Threshold Choir ladies who “retreated” at Bishops Ranch, many years ago. Now I am a part of such a choir in Santa Barbara, thanks to you! If there is a Threshold choir in the nearby vicinity, you might feel comforted by their healing songs. I wish you and your family the peace that passes all human understanding as you journey on this new road. God’s blessings to you all.
Bonnie
Jean
Your words are so moving…how wonderful that you can be with your father during this time. Sending love and hope for a peaceful passing
Virginia Aldricj
The center of such sadness is love and you and your family are surrounded by such. May
peace and serenity hold you together now and forever. ❤️
Pamela
My thoughts are positive…my prayers continual.
sueesquivel
Hi Lisa, I’m sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family will be in our prayers. Sounds like his was a life well-lived and well-loved. Treasure each moment. With love, Susanne
karin
Oh Lisa, What a treasure it is that you and your family has this time to be together. Thank you for the reminder (as always) that life is sweet, precious, shorter than we think, and really, that all that matters is the love we share while we’re here.
Blessings to your dad. Blessings to you and the rest of your family. May this transition be peaceful. Much love, Karin
Shelley Ritchie
Everyone’s experience is different and yet the same. This is so reminiscent of Andrew’s home going. Blessings and love.
Shelley Ritchie
On Sat, Sep 24, 2016 at 2:49 PM, Lisa Thorpe’s Mandala Challenge wrote:
> lisathorpeartist posted: ” I’ve been up with my parents since Monday and > will be here for the foreseeable future my Dad started on hospice this > week. His pain is being managed – His energy is low but he continues to > walk and sleep in his own bed with his wife of 61 years,” >