Friday, March 30, 2012

Thread bare skin







My mother is hanging on to this world stronger than she was one week ago. 
I have been spending every other night in her room at my younger sisters house, sleeping at the foot of her hospital bed, listening for her to awaken so that I could help her.


She is still quite a force and yet her skin is so thin that it's difficult to believe her body can be sustained by such a thread-bare coat.


But it does. 


We are capable of much more than we realize. 



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22 comments:

  1. Catherine V. BainbridgeMarch 30, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    Hi Christine,
    Your last two posts are very moving, and so rich in feeling and humanity. It's a quite a passage, helping someone to enter the end of their life. I did it with my mom, who died 10 years ago. Yesterday would have been her 62nd birthday. I wish you and your family strength, and your mother peace.

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful experience.

    Catherine

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    1. ChristineMarch 30, 2012 at 10:35 PM

      Dear Catherine, I appreciate your compassionate words. It brings tears to my eyes to learn your mom died so young. You do know how we feel and your words speak to my heart. Thank you for taking the time to tell me that you are thinking of me, my family and my mom.

      Delete
  2. camino roqueMarch 31, 2012 at 2:23 AM

    tranquilidad. también la muerte forma parte de la vida. aprender a verla de igual manera.

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  3. SweetpeaMarch 31, 2012 at 3:17 AM

    Oh my, Christine, those are some of the most powerful words that any of us can ever know..."We are capable of much more than we realize."
    YES. That is it, entirely and absolutely.
    Keeping you & your family in my thoughts...

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    Replies
    1. ChristineMarch 31, 2012 at 9:53 AM

      Dear Sweat Pea, thank you for your thoughts.

      Delete
  4. Velma BolyardMarch 31, 2012 at 8:03 AM

    you evoke the memory of my mom's passing, over thirty years ago, when i was by her side, touching, laughing, reading, even praying with her. i had forgotten. it is hard, good, essential work. i am thinking of you.

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    Replies
    1. ChristineMarch 31, 2012 at 9:54 AM

      Dear Velma, it is a precious moment,isn't it? Thank you for your thoughts.

      Delete
  5. judeMarch 31, 2012 at 8:22 AM

    that last line is the sentence of the day. love to you.

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  6. Valerie KamikuboMarch 31, 2012 at 11:32 AM

    It was spending vigils at my grandmother's bedside that eventually led me into nursing and then on into hospice nursing for seven years. I now work as an RN case manager for an AIDS program, but it was spending time at all those bedsides that taught me about strength and endurance. Blessings to you and your family during this most difficult of times, Christine.

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    1. ChristineMarch 31, 2012 at 5:20 PM

      My momma is an incredible force of nature. She rebounds and then relapses. We are encouraged and then saddened. It is a bumpy road. What a tribute to your character, Valerie. Women like you are the gold standard for end of life care. Bless you.

      Delete
  7. helen saloMarch 31, 2012 at 3:08 PM

    I just recently spent the same time with my father in law (93 yrs old) Truly we are capable of lots more than we realize. When he had his last surgery the surgeon said it was like trying to stitch wet tissue paper, but by god he did it and my father in law continued on for two more years. Your thoughts on the thread bare coat made me think of this.

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  8. helen, againMarch 31, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Obviously my heart felt thoughts are with you. One must always treasure the fact you got to be there, so many poeople aren't granted the luxury.

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    1. ChristineMarch 31, 2012 at 5:22 PM

      This is so true Helen. Your father-in-law must be made of the same grit my mother is.
      It is an honor to have a seat at her side.

      Delete
  9. Judy MartinMarch 31, 2012 at 11:49 PM

    This is a time you will remember forever.

    The cloth that you are stitching holds this time more than you realize.

    strength wishes

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  10. Robyn AApril 1, 2012 at 7:06 AM

    Dear Christine, my vigil was so much shorter, my mother just went down so quickly and in some ways I would selfishly have liked to be able to just wipe her dear face for a bit longer. We were not very close in life but when you become the parent at the end, it is a comfort to know you were able to be there and watching.

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  11. handstoriesApril 1, 2012 at 3:52 PM

    beautiful tender posts.
    wishing your mom, you and yours comfort and ease.

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  12. Sandy ShelenbergerApril 3, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Wishing you peace.

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  13. AnonymousApril 3, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    From my heart to your heart
    L O V E...

    I was blessed to be with my Grandmother holding her hand that entire night, listening to her, watching her beautiful being. I traced her hand on paper, even though I will never forget her. One of my favorite past-times when I was a little girl was to sit next to her, holding her hand, tracing her hand front and back...
    With tears of thanks and love,
    Debra

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  14. franswazzApril 3, 2012 at 8:07 PM

    YES, I certainly found something good!
    Wonderful treat.
    and of course,
    I love what you do
    ♥
    ♥
    ♥

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  15. Susan HemannApril 6, 2012 at 3:38 PM

    Hello, I understand India Flint is coming to Cleveland!!! I am so excited. I was wondering if you could tell me more as I live in the area and would be so pleased to see her work.

    ReplyDelete

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