a day with two special chapters...
Two very sweet things: We took our almost 29 yr old niece out for breakfast, to celebrate her upcoming birthday--it's in two months, but we'd found the parts that help secure the windshield onto her motorcycle, so we started celebrating early. She was delighted and we, as always, enjoyed learning more about the woman she is becoming; she enjoys learning more of the layers that are this loving auntie and uncle. As my sister (her mom) travels often with her job, Stephen and I have often had the honor of standing in, during a play or other event through out many years, which has built a deeper connection between us than might have otherwise existed. Such a sweet gift to each of us three!
And then this evening, I was caring for a woman who is in the process of dying. I'm a hospice nurse. There were about a dozen people taking turns visiting her. So I arranged for them to use an empty dining room area, I brought them a picther of ice water with some glasses. And I was guided to have several one-on-one conversations. Some about the fact that it is so important for the family to say to the patient that it's okay for her to go (when they're ready to say so), and that it is fairly common for the dying person to see and talk with deceased relatives, as they get close to crossing over. That it is such a blessed time, being so a part of the process; the dying patient often has "one foot" in this world and the other one in the "World of Spirit." I liken this work to that of a midwife; it's simply a different type of birth! Also advised the teenagers to become the goodwill embassadors; knowing how family dynamics can be, I encouraged them to realize that there should not be any fighting/arguing anywhere in this building--the patient picks up on the vibes--and that, if someone has a pleasant thing to say, please share those out loud. And for any negative thoughts, simply trust them to God's capable Hands and focus on a possitive thing. And with the patient, herself, just to confirm whether she feels that the family is ready and willing to let her pass across; then the question of how is she feeling about doing this. She said she's ready. We talked about the possibility of seeing and/or talking with dear departed relatives--that this may simply start happening, as she slides her one foot into that other side and keeps one still in the material world. My experience has shown that it helps both the patient and the visiting friends and family to sort of get the "lay of the land" for this transition. And in the process, it frames the crossing over (from flesh to Spirit) as one filled with light, love and anticipation. When the patient shared with me that she's ready, whenever, I assurred her that this is a lovely journey, that it is sort of like riding the waves, progressing closer--then back a bit--then even closer again, and to simply relax and go with the flow. It is always an honor to be a part of this process. People's hearts seem closer to the surface and, with a little coaching, the patient increasingly relaxes into the process and family and friends become more joined, at a heart level, with each other and the loved one. Such an honor, for all who are involved.
And then this evening, I was caring for a woman who is in the process of dying. I'm a hospice nurse. There were about a dozen people taking turns visiting her. So I arranged for them to use an empty dining room area, I brought them a picther of ice water with some glasses. And I was guided to have several one-on-one conversations. Some about the fact that it is so important for the family to say to the patient that it's okay for her to go (when they're ready to say so), and that it is fairly common for the dying person to see and talk with deceased relatives, as they get close to crossing over. That it is such a blessed time, being so a part of the process; the dying patient often has "one foot" in this world and the other one in the "World of Spirit." I liken this work to that of a midwife; it's simply a different type of birth! Also advised the teenagers to become the goodwill embassadors; knowing how family dynamics can be, I encouraged them to realize that there should not be any fighting/arguing anywhere in this building--the patient picks up on the vibes--and that, if someone has a pleasant thing to say, please share those out loud. And for any negative thoughts, simply trust them to God's capable Hands and focus on a possitive thing. And with the patient, herself, just to confirm whether she feels that the family is ready and willing to let her pass across; then the question of how is she feeling about doing this. She said she's ready. We talked about the possibility of seeing and/or talking with dear departed relatives--that this may simply start happening, as she slides her one foot into that other side and keeps one still in the material world. My experience has shown that it helps both the patient and the visiting friends and family to sort of get the "lay of the land" for this transition. And in the process, it frames the crossing over (from flesh to Spirit) as one filled with light, love and anticipation. When the patient shared with me that she's ready, whenever, I assurred her that this is a lovely journey, that it is sort of like riding the waves, progressing closer--then back a bit--then even closer again, and to simply relax and go with the flow. It is always an honor to be a part of this process. People's hearts seem closer to the surface and, with a little coaching, the patient increasingly relaxes into the process and family and friends become more joined, at a heart level, with each other and the loved one. Such an honor, for all who are involved.