How to Experience Life as an Endless Act of Love
Taking the hand of “What Is” is to engage in the dance of life. Sometimes we join in gladness and sometimes we join in sadness, but when we lean into the arms of surrender we experience life as an endless act of love.
This morning – four years ago – I looked into my husband and best friend’s eyes for the last time. It was a magical moment of grace – free of fear or sadness. It began with the absolute knowing. In that clarity, there became nothing to do but to follow the lead of the moment. The handful of moments from first waking to last breath became a ritual of sorts. I had slept in a chair by the bed where he could easily see me when he woke. George had wakened fitful and perspiring.
I fetched the nurse to hurry up the meds and grabbed a fresh gown from the rack in the hall. To calm him, I filled a basin with warm water scented with lavender oil, aromatherapy, and began to bathe him; his face, his hands, legs, feet. The nurse helped me put on a fresh gown. Waiting for the clock to strike 7 and the pain pill to arrive, I did Therapeutic Touch to offer whatever relief or comfort I could. I knew he was slipping away quickly and by the time I had finished the treatment, he was gone. I climbed into the bed and fit my body into the familiar contour of his back and held him. He was without pain and I was at peace. Read more…
