DAY 71
During his final days, Pops contracted oral thrush. This is a fungal infection which leaves the mouth and throat unbearably sore. The nurses at the East Lancs Hospice compared Dads condition to eating razorblades. He couldn’t speak, eat or drink, and was left with no alternative, but to lie in complete silence, to turn inward and face death.
So, today, I am practicing dying from a common cold - the dreaded sore throat. This is a minor blip compared to Dads suffering, but nevertheless a perfect opportunity to lay down my arms, soften around the discomfort, and practice self acceptance and love.
‘ And in the spaciousness of surrender watch the fear of death bound through with all its attendant scenarios. Take each breath as though it might be the last. Watch your life pass before your eyes. Did you notice something left undone? Do it on the next clear day. Practice living.’ -Stephen Levine
Hey....
ReplyDeleteStill 'ere
xxxxxxx
Hope you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteI love the photograph.
Your love for your father just shines, Nige.
I love how you are taking what comes with life, and going deeper into the practice of love in all cases, and how it is drawing you to the memory of your father--his experience and passing--brave enough to look at what he had to face with his illness, and what it could mean in the bigger picture, and to your experience and practice.
Such beautiful quotes. I am getting what you mean by practicing dying.
I am convinced that these deep meaningful connections that serve as a mirror, often which are reflections of our parents further down the river, are our way back to ourselves, and our way back home. Thank you for sharing it here.
Sending love.