October 24, 2005

The Gospel of the Lord

Mrs. Robb-Dover tells it as only an eye-witness can. I read this article through the dual lenses of my own experience as a hospital chaplain and as a son who watched his chronically ill mother pass unto the larger life two years ago. Reading this excellent and very true-to-life article reminded me of the hymn I chose to tell my close friends about my mother's passing: "The strife is o'er, the battle done; the victory of life is won; the song of triumph has begun; Alleluia!"

Tear Inducing

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful personal experience. I would love to help others let go in such situations, if I didn't think my own tears would get in the way.

confirmation

Thanks for a touching article that confirms my own experience. In my paternal grandmother's final days, she apparently refused to give in to death. Although she was unresponsive and had what a helper called a "death rattle," she held on. At one point, my father (her son) leaned into her ear and whispered that it was time to let go, that he would miss her but wanted her to be able to rest. She was gone within the hour. It's nice, sometimes, to see one's experience confirmed--especially when it's done as eloquently as this writer did.

Thanks for this great article. It is very touching, and it gives me peace.