One of the most anticipated moments I'd have with mom throughout her cancer process was "taking her to the parlor". I'd set up shop with my standard tools: trimming device, file, plenty of lotion, and sockies to finish. I spent dedicated time grooming and massaging her feet since she no longer could. This was my sacred moment with Mom, my way of communicating to her how much I loved her and would do anything for her without ever saying a word.
Today, for the first time in my life, I took Craigery to the parlor. Jill helped me round up my standard supplies: trimming device, hospital grade lotion, talcum free powder just in case, hospital sockies, and scissors to cut the elastic band (to prevent cutting off circulation to his very swollen feet). I sat on a chair as he lounged on the couch with legs propped on a makeshift ottoman. I bent low and began, working on one foot then the other. I'd look up from time to time to see his eyes gazed forward watching me, drowsy yet peaceful. I massaged each foot and ankle with lotion before putting on his sockies and cutting the band. This was my sacred moment with my brother -- a moment telling him through human touch how much I love him and would do anything for him... ~E
Erin
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gesture of love and caring...and a lifelong memory for you as well. I so enjoyed the videos, thanks to all of you for them.
Love,
Aunt Joan
Heya’ll, dogs barking roused me from sleep last night. Who knows who started or why. The canine call and response traveled up and down this rural road while across the field somewhere a band of coyotes were howling themselves together. Maybe they started the singing. I stood on the porch listening, assessing the whereabouts of my canines without whistling them to come. It sounded like they were at the northeast corner of these fenced four acres we call home, up by the road. Just that reading on their whereabouts and hearing what was going on satisfied me. All is well. The moon is waxing. I hadn’t noticed. The sky has been filled with clouds lately, but not last night. The moon light illuminated the flower garden that is overgrown but never the less blooming and fragrant, especially after the recent rains. Standing there in the middle of the night I felt it; a life is beautiful moment, absent of compelling intention or concern – just being. I recognized how similar this feeling is to the energy of love. My awareness drifted to of all of you, never that far from thought these days, and how beautifully you are living love right now, how your being together on this journey is an odyssey of love. How could you have ever guessed these events would be part of your life’s journey; and yet, little did you know, you were each groomed by love and grace to be present with these events and honor them with your conscious attention and effort. Despite everything I smiled, feeling the bittersweet side of joy that also brings on tears. My thoughts returned to the garden and I pondered the eventual passing of the flowers and what I will do to prepare the perennial plants to pass safely through the colder months. I want to move a few 3-year old wild redbuds to the front field and dig up/spread out the iris and lily bulbs, for starters. I pondered decay and the natural process of death and hibernation, pending at this time of the year. The natural elements withdraw their vitality from the body – the earth, the fire, the water, the air, and then after the winter rest, regeneration, even if it’s from dropped seed. It’s cyclical. The love you all share and practice with each simple, tender, subtle act together, for and with each other – well, it’s awesome. It’s a beacon calling all the angels, elders, ancestors and friends to stand ready to greet Craig’s soul when he crosses over the river of this life into the next, whenever that time comes. He won’t be alone then, just as he’s not alone now. You won’t be alone either. Heart full of hugs from Ruby
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