Until we meet again...

The death of the Beloved bears fruit in many lives. You and I have to trust that our short little lives can bear fruit far beyond the boundaries of our chronologies. But we have to choose this and trust deeply that we have a spirit to send that will bring joy, peace and life to those who will remember us.

- Henri Nouwen

Once again we have made that sad journey back home to our beginnings. These painful trips have come much too often of late for my husband’s family. Less than two years ago we said “goodbye” to his father and then to his mother and now, to his baby sister.

Hers was bittersweet. I guess most are.

It was only a year ago that she had a horrible fall which left her paralyzed and on a ventilator. The days that passed were never easy. Battling infections, poor medical care, bedsores – a weary warrior who tried to fight but the victory was not to be here. So at 45 years, her story ends and our stories change.

Rest in peace, Robin.



© A Sacred Longing 2009-2010

Rest In Peace

And I said to the one who stood at the gate of the year, “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the Unknown.” And he replied, “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
Minnie Haskins

(my mother-in-law at her first time at the beach EVER -October 2009)

So, this dear friends is where I have been – learning to say goodbye.

My mother-in-law fought valiantly but her body failed her. The doctors, nurses, machines and medicines tried to change the course of fate but it was not to be. On January 6, 2010 with her family bedside, the machines stopped and so did the world, for one brief moment.

Collectively, we have said our goodbyes and shed our tears.

Privately, we are learning that grief lingers in corners and closets. This is not how a new year should begin.

2010
Be kind to me, I pray.
Your beginning has not been welcomed.

I beg of you that the days to come be kinder and gentler.

© A Sacred Longing 2009