Those Who are at Peace

My father-in-law was someone I admired because he always treated me like an equal, an adult, and with respect. As he struggled with various aliments in his later years resulting from the sacrifices he made as a veteran, the day came when he said it was his time to go. Instead of undergoing surgery, he chose to go naturally and chose hospice. Although this was difficult for our family, the serenity and peacefulness that glowed from him was such a comforting feeling, putting us at ease. I wrote the words to describe him into a frame in his hospital room the next day for everyone who came to visit him, and there were many. He passed away the very night/early morning that we moved him to the hospice house. Just in time for us to find a funeral home and get things squared away before heading back to his small town to make it to the Memorial Day Service. It was the only national holiday he celebrated. His veteran friends were able to add his name to the list and ring the bell for him as well as prepare a bouquet of flowers for his wife. The timing and how smooth everything went was as if by design.

Working in skilled nursing in a geriatric department surrounded by home health, hospice, and special needs, I have dealt with and heard many stories of how people can pass away. And in an emergency or surgery room in a hospital separated from all family members, surrounded by beeping machines and rushing doctors and nurses surely isn’t the ideal way. Having performed many celebration of life services for our own temple members, I am so grateful to have seen just how powerful a person’s calm spirit and acceptance of the end of life affects their families. Death can be traumatic, or it can be beautiful depending on how a person meets or faces their transition. Strong foundations and grounding allow us to find such peace.

What are your foundations?