Sunday, June 6, 2010

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

Tom Petty was right, the waiting really is the hardest part. It has been ten days now since Mama decided she didn't want any more food or curative measures or medicines. She has asked for something to eat twice since then and only had a bite each time and is only on morphine and a lidocaine patch on her back for pain. A few spoonfuls of ice chips or sips of water a day. Pastor Thom says she has a really strong constitution and Dr. G says you don't get to be 91 1/2 by being a wimp. All the siblings are here and we have been by her side 24/7 in shifts. So Mama is ready and we are ready but apparently God, who directs the schedule, is not ready. So we wait and watch and rub lotion on her skin and stroke her hair, play soft music and love her to the best of our ability. And we recognize that the process of dying is another of life's mysteries that we won't have all the answers to until we have crossed over ourselves. Perhaps it is one more way that God lets us know that He is God and we are not.

1 comment:

nana4cody said...

Having known you, Mama and the siblings for 30 some years now I have to say I have always been aware of how strong the women in your family are. Mama, Aunt Ruth, Mary and you have guided the family... and this adopted daughter...and their loved ones through falling in love, birth of babies, the loss of a child, the loss of spouses, the loss of heart and spirit...and all the while being a warm and loving beacon of Gods Love, Comfort and Peace. During this transition time of Mama's I have seen all of that in you and your sisters; the love and support you have given each other each and every step of this process is both humbling and inspiring. You've done Mama proud...and yes, while we are all being reminded that God is God and we are not...I cannot help but think that He is just so proud of all of you and is allowing this gentle transition to be yet another lighted path to His Love and Grace through Mama and all of you. You my friend, have done Mama and Him very very proud and I am in awe.