“Our journey from birth to death (not even including what may or may not come before or after) is really rather short. Shall we not spend it learning, helping others, perfecting skills, being kind to animals, listening to music, reading, playing sports, observing the Universe with wonder?”
Yes!
Thank you for sharing your profound memories and thereby enlighten us all.
Favorite Twilight Zone episode ever. Whenever someone mentions it, I can still feel my delight as a kid watching the ending. Question: When you say Gil's heart was warm for 2 days, do you mean physically to the touch? I've never heard of that before.
What I enjoy so much about your writing, Su, is learning new points of view on a familiar subject. This piece is especially insightful. Years ago, I watched a video about a Tibetan Lama, on his travels through the United States where he lectured. He was a delightful fellow, who loved playing arcade video games!
Although my memory of details is hazy now, the documentary followed him as he made his way to the Naropa Institute, in Boulder, where his life ended. And just as in your husband's case, he didn't die for a time, confounding the medical practitioners. We were told that his final words were, "nothing happens."
The Tibetans have such a deep tradition. They know all about the invisible realms. I wonder if your monk's full statement was "Everything happens. Nothing happens." LOL
Great article, Su. So much truth and wisdom there. Having been with lots of people making their exits I can attest to this. Every single one of them flew off when I wasn't lookin'. That one brief moment when I was distracted talking to someone, or off in the bathroom. I always smile and say, sonuvagun, you did it again. I can just imagine their spirit saying, "Ha! Now's the time. Tee-hee-hee." A hospice worker I know says, they don't wanna be rude and leave you sitting there when you're being so generously attentive. So they wait politely, and then...! Bingo! Blast-off!
Odd you bring up the word “doula” today. I am part of a small cancer group here on the island and this morning I got a call from a grief/death doula who wants to work with cancer people. That doesn’t happen every day.
And your memories of Gil all came rushing back to me from the time you had shared this story and your tears upon returning to Ecuador. Daniel and I will never forget that day. ❤️ m
Standing on the shoulders of giants,
I can see the door
to the next room
of the dream
Go, your comments have been so spare of late. I'm always hoping you'll share one of your magical stories about your life.
Thanks Su, I'll do that when I have something that relates to what you say.
“Our journey from birth to death (not even including what may or may not come before or after) is really rather short. Shall we not spend it learning, helping others, perfecting skills, being kind to animals, listening to music, reading, playing sports, observing the Universe with wonder?”
Yes!
Thank you for sharing your profound memories and thereby enlighten us all.
Thank you Master Ming-Dao.
Favorite Twilight Zone episode ever. Whenever someone mentions it, I can still feel my delight as a kid watching the ending. Question: When you say Gil's heart was warm for 2 days, do you mean physically to the touch? I've never heard of that before.
Yes, physically to the touch, and also spiritually through the heart chakra.
What I enjoy so much about your writing, Su, is learning new points of view on a familiar subject. This piece is especially insightful. Years ago, I watched a video about a Tibetan Lama, on his travels through the United States where he lectured. He was a delightful fellow, who loved playing arcade video games!
Although my memory of details is hazy now, the documentary followed him as he made his way to the Naropa Institute, in Boulder, where his life ended. And just as in your husband's case, he didn't die for a time, confounding the medical practitioners. We were told that his final words were, "nothing happens."
Thanks, Su!
The Tibetans have such a deep tradition. They know all about the invisible realms. I wonder if your monk's full statement was "Everything happens. Nothing happens." LOL
Great piece, moving and deeply humane. Thank you. “Ars longa, vita brevis.”
Great article, Su. So much truth and wisdom there. Having been with lots of people making their exits I can attest to this. Every single one of them flew off when I wasn't lookin'. That one brief moment when I was distracted talking to someone, or off in the bathroom. I always smile and say, sonuvagun, you did it again. I can just imagine their spirit saying, "Ha! Now's the time. Tee-hee-hee." A hospice worker I know says, they don't wanna be rude and leave you sitting there when you're being so generously attentive. So they wait politely, and then...! Bingo! Blast-off!
Odd you bring up the word “doula” today. I am part of a small cancer group here on the island and this morning I got a call from a grief/death doula who wants to work with cancer people. That doesn’t happen every day.
And your memories of Gil all came rushing back to me from the time you had shared this story and your tears upon returning to Ecuador. Daniel and I will never forget that day. ❤️ m