Things have been very quiet at our house recently. Our beloved mother, grandmother and mother-in-law, Louise, is lying in a hospital bed, her body gradually shutting down. L and his sisters are at her side day and night watching each laboured breath.
Life has taken on a slow motion quality. The daily activities of our existence continue, but with no thoughts beyond the next few days. Every telephone ring is answered with apprehension. Our normally frugal budget is blown with meals, car rentals, hotels and cell phone calls and none of it matters.
Our only concerns are with Louise, and whether she is as comfortable as she can be, physically and mentally, as she leaves us. She is living these days with grace as she lived the rest of her life. L is discovering new reserves of strength as he sits besides her, anticipating her needs and keeping her company. And so it goes.
In times like these, I often think of this part of Chapter 16 of the Tao Te Ching. I hope it may convey some comfort to you as well:
ReplyDelete"Everything flourishes; each returns to its root
Returning to the root is called tranquility
Tranquility is called returning to one's nature."
Sending you all lots of strengthening thoughts....
Theresa, thank you for sharing those words. They provide a beautiful perspective on a sad time.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Bev