September 28, 2015

The Raw Places


My mom died at 2am Saturday. I took this photograph five hours later. It reminds me of the vigil we kept for mom. On the hospice floor, we held a 12-hour vigil. The last few hours, we literally encircled her with love--me lying in bed with mom, hand on her heart; my sister sitting by mom's side, stroking her forehead; dad, bowed forward, holding mom's feet; my other sister soothing dad's hands and my feet. It was a circle of love and awareness. She resisted for hours, but then died with some ease. It was difficult, but deeply important and valuable. I have no regrets. 

My heart is filled with both love and sorrow. These are the raw places of which we don't often speak. I'm vulnerable. My heart is cracked open--to the grief and to the beauty. This life is so very precious.

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5 comments:

  1. Dear Joy, May she rest peacefully and may your heart find a little bit of ease through this very sad time. I'm so sorry for your loss. xo

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  2. Beautiful post, Joy.
    Much love to you and your family...

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  3. Hugs, Joy. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  4. Holding you in my heart Joy, you and your sisters and your dad - all of you. It sounds like you honoured her beautifully. May you take time to honour and be kind to yourself sweet lady. Sitting with you x

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  5. Thanks for your love, support, and kindness. Thanks for your understanding. Warm hugs to you all! (And warm hugs right back to our own selves. :))

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