Death and how we deal with it

Well I'm back.

I have had a very hard two weeks. For those who have a parent in a retirement facility and pray that they will be treated well. It is still a hard place to see them in the end.

I managed to get back to see my Dad four days before he died. I walked into his room with what was left of him trying to scream. Although the palliative care staff were gentle he was in agony. It took all that day and part of the next to get Dr's orders for pain management. By the second night he was at least more comfortable.

He could no longer swallow he could simply breath, As much as that was possible.I did not leave his side until he passed at midnight of the third day.

I tell you this because if I had not arrived when I did. His passing would have been so very bad for him. If I was not an advocate for him. nothing would have been done for his last days. To watch someone die in extreme pain is more then one can handle.

I was lucky I had some one with me who made it better. Not every one can sit at a death bed. I seem to be able to handle these things. But often can not handle my own stuff. Thank God for God and good friends. These being my Sisters and often those we least expect to be there are often a great shoulder.

It is interesting to me that always in my life it is women who help and shoulder with you what otherwise would be impossable to take. And in history it is women who will be there when you least expect it. Often women you would not have thought would. Are a welcome surprise.

I thanked God when dad passed into His hands.

When we place those we love in a place like this even with all the care we hope they will receive. One must be present often to see to it that no one forgets there is family around.

I have walked in to many times to what I consider abuse. To have to deal with it then and there. Fight for who it is even if I don't know them.

Jesus Christ was our advocate. We should not forget at the foot of the Cross the women were there. He the advocate for all. And the women who witnessed it.

If we can say He so loved us He willingly died for us. How hard can it be for us to Visit the sick and the old who may have no one now and be an advocate in Christ for them.

Many of our old feel as though they have been sent away set aside old furniture to be thrown out. , As though their life has counted for nothing they may never see their children again and often only at graveside and passably because something has been left. Not for love or duty do they come.


Often staff are so understaffed that all they can do is there job. I have heard many say this is not what I started this for. I wanted to give because I love my work. But look what I have become. They do the best they can . Knowing it is not enough. They will not be able to just sit and spend even a few moments with those in there care.

I have been at the graveside of many who had no one. And what we have done is all the Sisters who can gather on this the last journey for them. Will be there.

If you do any charitable work at all. Remember the old ones. Remember those who now have what we call a new mind since the old one has simply disappeared. They love company. and it keeps them happy and healthy longer.

If you have ever been lonely. Sick. Abused. Hurt in any way. Desperate for a simple kindness. What ever your faith or tradition. Can you think that perhaps this could be YOU. And be kind a few times a month.

If you have a parent in a place like this...

And if your memories with them are not great. Then think of this. They have forgotten. Thank God. And now with this new mind. We can see them as they are now. and as we would like to remember them. As they really should have been. And by the grace of God are now.

Forgive if possible. For they do not remember. And all they know now is love. From you. And that you are Able to give it. Will free you from all the hurt in the past.

I tell you this That to love even when you thought you could not forgive is the greatest gift. And an example to all who know you. And as Christ showed you.

God loves you.

At The Masters Feet In Prayer For You.