I've shared before about how my father maintains the charmingly odd practice of buying bushels of bread, cake and doughnuts to distribute to friends, animals and strangers.
We all need something to keep us out of trouble.
Yesterday Hospice came to talk with my mom about her life and death. She has decided that although she has trouble swallowing due to her cancer (or the cancer treatment) she will forgo tests and treatment and let things take a natural course.
I have been with my parents since last Friday spending quiet afternoons on the porch.
We all have our ways of coping. These days I turn to the Internet--blogging, YouTube (Cher did a music video with Meatloaf in the 80's!), e-mails. I used to turn to Oreos, but with my new raw foods diet (two weeks!) I changed my eating patterns (Oreos? vegan? I used the "don't ask, don't tell" policy of veganism on them during much of my mom's chemo.)
I have learned a new trick that helps distract me a bit from the pain of seeing a loved one suffer. Eyebrow Plucking. Yeah, one must be fully present to pluck one's eyebrows. It provides the right amount of pain to enable a person to snap back into this world and usually a worthwhile product. Warning: Don't pluck too much or too often or you will look like a mole.
I've also taken to leaning against old trees, resting my back on them and being quite still, pleased to be fixed to the earth while my heart opens to the Spirit which comforts me.
My dad continues his bread frenzy as evidenced by the photos of his latest gathering excursion. He has also taken to painting. Not art, but simply painting any surface that can be painted. His newest drug of choice is latex paint.
God is present or can be present in all these things. And indeed, we welcome God into our family, (but I'll abstain from the bread and doughnuts.)
Comments
Your Dad sure takes his bread seriously - though I can understand the need for occasional diversions whilst things are so intense at home.
Thinking of you all.
I'm sorry to hear about your mom. It's important now for she and you to just... enjoy your time. It sounds like you're doing that....
Tom D.
I don't know what else to say.
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lots of love your way bro',
Craig
Sitting with the old trees is probably better then the brow tweezers. After my mom passed away I began subconsciously to do everything I could to ruin my health. I'd lost about forty pounds and it took a visit to the ER before I finally snapped out of it, yet I thought I was being rational and taking care of myself that whole time and I wasn't.
Keep some close friends up there nearby. And...you know that place of inner peace better then I do, but I think the forest is your better bet then the tweezers.
My partner's Dad died of lung cancer last December. Fought it all the way. That's the way he wanted it, and we let him do it his way.
I'll keep you all in my prayers.
Sorry that your mom isn't doing so good! My mother-in-law has cancer also and was in the hospital last Friday and Saturday. I've gotten to know the routine a little too well now too. Hugs from me to you! :)
Blessings,
Liz Opp, The Good Raised Up
I've been so wrapped up in my own circumstances I hadn't known this was going on with you. I'm sorry....and yes....my prayers are with you as I know your are with me.
love you!
grace
*geez*
:)