It is the women of our families who keep the traditions, preserve the memories, and hold us close.
-Unknown
My last mindfulness blog post was nearly three weeks ago. The topic was This Person Could Die Tonight. At the time I said that this particular practice was resonating with me. It was hitting too close to home as I had three ill people in my immediate family.
Shortly after uploading that post I traveled out of town to be with two of those ill family members. Little did I know that for one family member, it would be my last visit.
On Wednesday, August 15, my Mom, Anne Butler, passed away peacefully after a short illness. It was the most heart-wrenching event I’ve experienced in some time. It was also the most spiritual.
Mom had been sick since the middle of July. Each episode that played out over those early weeks seemed to resolve and then something else would appear. In the end she developed pneumonia that her body could no longer fight.
During the final days I spent with her I kept reminding myself to be present to the situation. To be mindful in the face of death. I was constantly reminded of my last mindfulness post. How the hell could this be happening?
They say that being present with a loved one during their final days is one of great honor. I honestly couldn’t see the honor when the process began. It was gut wrenching.
You want to respect the wishes of your loved one. You want them to be free of any pain or fear. You don’t want them to struggle. You want to help them make the transition.
You realize that you can only take them so far on this journey. At some point, you understand that your loved one must make this journey on their own. The timing, the decision, is entirely up to them and nature.
We come into this world screaming. We hope to leave this world with peace and dignity. A few days before Mom passed, I remember saying to myself that “it” was getting closer. I could feel the inevitable around the perimeter of her room. Tendrils would touch her and then pull back. It wasn’t time. But it was coming.
Later Mom rested comfortably. Her breathing was less labored. She slept deeply. Her skin was warm to the touch. During a moment when I whispered into her ear, she snored into mine. It made me laugh.
My Mom was a very good swimmer. She taught me how to float and then how to swim. One morning before she passed, I had a vision. Mom and I were in a body of water and we both wore white. This time our roles were reversed. I stood in the water with my arms outstretched. Mom lay in my arms floating on the water. I was helping her to float. No words were said between us. We simply enjoyed the coolness of the water as I gently held her.
Mom passed a few days later at 9:30am in a lovely hospice facility. She did not leave this world alone as family was with her. Each of us took part in assisting her on this final journey.
My heart has been full of sadness. I’ve literally felt it break as the anguish flowed down my arms. Yet I’ve also had a sense of internal peace and calm. I know Mom passed as she wanted. In peace and with dignity.
August 27, 2012 at 11:55 am
My heart goes out to you and your family, Amy. How blessed your mom was to have her family around her. I’m so glad you took the time to mourn and create a beautiful shrine for her. We never forget, no matter how much time goes by.
September 4, 2012 at 5:25 pm
Thank you Judy for your kind words and support. I truly appreciate it. Hugs to you my friend.
August 27, 2012 at 2:14 pm
What a beautiful post. I am so sorry about your mom. I have never been with anyone when they died. I am sure someday I will. I can’t even imagine it. It is too much to even think about.
September 4, 2012 at 5:24 pm
Thank you Roberta for your kind thoughts. I appreciate it. While being with someone as they begin their journey to “the other side” is not easy, it is a blessing. The transition is harder on us, really. May you have many long years before you have to face a similar situation. But when that time comes, I know you’ll be strong and blessed.
August 27, 2012 at 4:17 pm
Well done Amy.Very well done.
September 4, 2012 at 5:22 pm
Thanks Doug. I hope you are doing well and finding good times in memories of Mom.
August 27, 2012 at 8:09 pm
I rejoice in your Mother’s passing as she would want that. She has shed an old shell, and put on tha beautiful white dress as she passed over. She lives on as her essence/spirit is eternal. I send you prayers and sympathy as it is very hard to loose your mother in this life. She was always there for you, and still is. Only time can truly heal. You’ll turn to call her, to share with her — and do so as she is right there with you always. Love & Light to you and your family.
September 4, 2012 at 5:22 pm
Thank you Jean for your kind thoughts. I definitely feel my Mom’s presence. I know she is one of my spirit guides and that does bring me comfort.
August 28, 2012 at 1:43 am
Dear dear Amy, I am thinking of you, sending you love, courage and a sustained sense of your mum presence in your life. Wendy
September 4, 2012 at 5:20 pm
Thank you Wendy for your kind thoughts. They are appreciated.