Transitioning
She had always feared the unknown that lay beyond death’s portal. The idea of leaving behind everything she knew, loved, and cherished was overwhelming. But as she grew older, something shifted within her. She viewed death as a natural part of life’s journey, not an end. She no longer fought against the inevitable, but embraced it with a sense of calm acceptance. Death, a release from life’s struggles, was not something she feared. She viewed death as a transition, a stepping stone to something greater, a place where she would reunite with loved ones who had passed before her. She found comfort as death became a welcomed friend, not an enemy to conquer. She embraced life, savoring every precious moment as her time dwindled. She lived each day with purpose, cherishing the people and experiences that brought her joy and meaning. When the time arrived, she gracefully and peacefully took her last step. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let go. She knew her legacy would endure through her loved ones cherished memories. By accepting death, she discovered a sense of freedom, liberation that had evaded her in life. As she crossed over, she experienced lightness and relief. Finally, the heavy burden lifted. She had carried it for so long. Unbound by time and space, her spirit would exist indefinitely. As she reflected on her life, she felt grateful for every moment, experience, and person who touched her heart. She had valued her time as a gift and used it wisely. On entering the realm of the unknown, she was not afraid. Filled with wonder and curiosity, she was eager to explore the mysteries that lay ahead. She embraced what lay beyond without fear, with open arms. And so she moved forward, guided by the light of her own spirit, ready to embark on a new adventure. Embracing death brought her everlasting peace and joy.
Author’s Note
I wrote this poem partly based on my mother's feelings and what I imagine were her thoughts as she neared the end. Mom saw the ghosts of her mother, my aunt, her father, my father from time to time. She would tell me when she saw them, including some of the conversations she had with them. She believed she would be reunited with them after her life ended.
Our family is days away from the first anniversary of my brother-in-law’s passing. I’m not sure he believed all the things my mother did, but he was prepared for his death and tried his best to prepare his loved ones.
Upcoming…
A story about lost memories:
The Memory Wizard, 10 August 2024
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Caro - who writes like butter and reads like sweet jam spread on that Toast to memories and puts names and faces on the memories. At this stage of my life I too often read more obituaries of people younger than me than I do ones who are older than me. And, too many friends who've been gone too soon in recent years, and more who are struggling with the pace of treatment and disease that is determined to kill them before the cure or treatment can finish it's work. A time of life when thinking about death and what things will be like for everyone we leave behind - will they ever know what we do next week, or next year, because they'll be gone. And we'll be gone too soon as well, so our only option is the hug tighter, kiss longer, make move more often, talk all night and praise everyone we encounter for how special they are, how important they are, and leave behind a legacy of everything we write well, write passionately, write with conviction and especially for our grand children who won't know us and our lives very well because they are children or young adults. One day, they'll want to know more about their grandparents - as we do about ours, so it's our duty to write more, write better and leave a few more million keystrokes behind so they'll know more. As for non writers, except for some who do audio/video recordings, the only thing they can do is spend time talking with those love whether or not they love us right now. That's my challenge. Sorry to prattle on here, but you hit a 'good button' for me, and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate this piece and many others you write but I don't always have time to comment ... Cheers, Mark
"And so she moved forward, guided by the light of her own spirit,
ready to embark on a new adventure.
Embracing death brought her everlasting peace and joy."
Embracing death is something we will all have to learn to do sooner or later if we want to live healthily and in peace with ourselves and others. The theme of death, finiteness, transition and change is something that fascinates me greatly. You write very well Caro