The Last Burst of Energy -- in Brilliant Color!

I've been enjoying watching the turning of the seasons in beautiful color these days... some of the trees have some amazingly brilliant, gorgeous colors, they're captivating!

These autumn leaves remind me of how often, in people's lives, too, there's that last hurrah, a final burst of energy expressed just before a person lets go and transitions into the next world. I think back to almost twenty years ago now, when my own mother was dying. She was being cared for at home, by one of my sisters and some very generous women from her church. Essentially, she had been lying in bed and not doing much for the previous two weeks. My sister, who'd been with her for the duration, called up my other sister and me on a Friday to let us know that she felt the time was close for mom's death. She suggested that we both make the trip out to see her if we wanted to say our final goodbyes.

My sister and I both got in on the Saturday before Father's Day to be with our mother. She was still alert enough to greet us and spend some time honoring us with her energy and love, even though there were very few words shared at that point. Although mom was not eating much at that point, she shared a bite of zaru soba, one of her favorite Japanese dishes that we prepared for the gathered family. Dad made the comment "Something's keeping you going, Betty," and my mom opened her eyes wide and spoke one word, "LOVE!" I remember having a strong feeling of her essence that day, something like having the layers of an onion skin peeled away and the core essence of who she really was remaining at the center -- and I was privy to experiencing that center and essence of who my mother truly was and is, even now, in my heart.

The next morning, on Father's Day -- which also happened to be my father's 40th ordination anniversary day -- my mother awoke saying that she wanted to attend church with us. Unfortunately, there was no way to get her to church with us, even though she and dad were living next to the church in the parsonage. As soon as we all got back from church, however, we were able to get mom out of bed and into the living room for an informal indoor picnic. Then, right on cue, a couple that my parents had known and loved for many years, showed up at their doorstep to say hello. They joined our "picnic" and there was more laughter and positive energy shared. That evening I remember thinking: Wow, mom seems to be getting her energy back. Maybe she'll be able to live another week!?!

The next morning, on Monday after Father's Day, my mother took her last breath around 8:30. Clearly, she had rallied the last remaining energy she had for all of us and on our father's special day! What a gift. And what profound beauty we can share with one another, right up until the very last breath of life.

I honor the beauty of the leaves as I honor the beauty of my mother's soul.

A Blessed All Saints Day to you, Dancing heart~~~