Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Waiting on Death, Celebrating Life

My instincts tell me not to write this. I don't want to be maudlin nor do I want to appear insensitive but we are waiting on death. My Aunt Dot is dying; her transition will be any day now. She has squared off with the monster for the last time, and now she is going to a place where there is no indignity or pain. 

She has buried two of her own children. Now it is her turn. 

In one of our many frank discussions, I asked Aunt Dot if she thought she would see her kids or my grandparents (her parents) when she died. She said she's not sure but she hopes so. We speculated about that possibility, and what the Bible says about dying. We talked about God and Heaven. She told me that if she does get to see and recognize people up there, she'll find a way to let me know. She said she would send me a sign and I would know what it was about.    

The spunk this resilient lady displayed throughout her life is inspirational. Her matter-of-fact way of living, and now dying, is uniquely Aunt Dot.

Joyously, our family got together to celebrate her 80th birthday recently. 

I will not be able to write about her again, not anytime soon. My heart is heavy. Waiting on death is a terrible thing. Instead, we will celebrate her life--now and always.

Aunt Dot recently became a great-grandmother. The circle of life.
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This post is in participation with the Group Blogging Experience, and this week’s prompt is instinct. This is the best I could do under the circumstances. If you want to blog with us, go to the GBE2 Facebook page and request to join the group. Everyone is welcome.
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19 comments:

  1. How sad to wait for death! *hugs* Your Aunt Dot sounds like an amazing woman that led a wonderful life, so hold onto those happy memory sparkles.

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  2. What a wonderful lady! You have been blessed by having had the opportunity to know her. I'll bet ya you'll be in a room sometime after she dies and see the lights blinking! Let me know.

    Joyce
    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2011/08/last-thing-he-remembered-was.html

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  3. I'm so sorry to hear of your impending loss--but to celebrate her life is fitting for such a wonderful lady. I just have a feeling she'll be by to give you that sign :) I know my Aunt left me one--and erased any doubts I may have had.

    Cheers, Jenn

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  4. Your aunt sounds like a wonderful person despite the extremely sad time you and your family are going through, i am happy that you got to share those conversations with her. She will go "home" knowing she is loved by many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you and you family. HUGS

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  5. Waiting for death is what we are all doing, isn't it? (((Hugs))) She lead a good long life and is ready to go, the heartbreak is the ones left who have to wait without her. Sad to face days that don't have her beautiful smile, but warm and fuzzy to remember all the smiles she created.
    Beautiful tribute to your beautiful Aunt.

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  6. Dignity in death...the best any of us can ask for. I think you have done a great job on writing this.

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  7. Sounds like a person you were very lucky to have in your life for such a long time. You couldn't help but miss her terribly.

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  8. Oh Langley, I'm sorry that you're hurting. I remember your first post about your Aunt Dot, and she sounds like a very special woman.

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  9. So sorry to hear about your Aunt. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this terrible time. Sorry you are hurting. Big hugs.

    Kathy
    http://www.thetruckerswife.com/

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  10. I had an Aunt Dot too. I described her as scrubbed in sunshine. Gone many years now, I smile at the memory of her.

    I am so sorry you must go through this time of heartache. Nothing will help except time... Peace be with you.

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  11. I had an Aunt Dot, in all but name, (she was an Ann), much loved, always missed. I hope, Langley, that you will write again about Aunt Dot, and not leave it too long. I'm pretty sure she's the kind of woman who'd love to see you laughing and reminiscing about all her life, rather than hiding her away behind sorrow and a heavy heart. Bring her smile out in the open where it belongs, as soon as you can.
    Sending you both much peace, strength and hugs.

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  12. Sorry for this, but happy for the love you have!

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  13. What a strong post. There are no words. Love her while she is here.

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  14. So sorry, but she sounds like a truly remarkable woman; one that will be remembered and loved for her strength and spirit. The pain that you feel now will eventually fade and you will find your voice again to write about her. The ones we love are never truly gone, they can always be found in our hearts.

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  15. Aunt Dot sounds like a wonderful person. It's hard, though, for you to see her go, and I'm so sorry for that.

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  16. I remember one occasion back when I was working in a long term care facility, I went in to check on a patient and in doing so she awoke and said "I'm ready God! Go ahead and take me." with a smile on her face. I admit, I was somewhat amused to be mistaken for God. Her instincts were correct--she passed within a couple days.

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  17. I remember your other post about your sweet aunt. I'm so sorry about what you, your aunt, and the rest of your family are going through.

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  18. There is no separation from love. Aunt Dot will continue to be with you, around you and inside of you. Watch for her there...in you. Kathryn

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  19. Aunt Dot was laid to rest yesterday. Reading these lovely comments brought me great comfort. Thanks for being such a caring blogging community.

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What say you?