I would like to share a glimpse into part of my summer’s journey.
Even in my “elder” years, I learned several important life lessons from the process of dying from my 97½ year old mother. I would like to pass on these lessons in the hopes that one or more might resonate in your life.
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE:
My mother was willing to make tough decisions and commit to them. Even past the moment my mother signed her own Hospice paperwork, she wanted to be in charge of her destiny.
THERE IS ALWAYS TIME TO THINK OF OTHERS:
Mom asked us to postpone her service so that the timing of her death did not interrupt important family celebrations coming up.
ONE IS NEVER TOO OLD OR TOO SICK TO CREATE COMMUNITY:
From the moment Mom arrived at her healthcare facility, she constantly found ways to reach out to, or provide comfort to, other residents. She showed kindnesses until the last day of her life to those who provided care.
IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO CHANGE:
As my mother neared the end of life, she more openly embraced qualities which previously she had difficulty owning, i.e. intelligence, beauty, talents, strengths and weaknesses.
ALWAYS HOLD FAMILY AND FRIENDS CLOSE:
After many trips to the hospital and days in the healthcare center, I asked my mother, “What inspires you to make such efforts to keep going?” She answered with one word, “Family”. Even in her last two days on earth, she was reaching out to family and friends in person or through emails, Facetime and phone. It was an experience to witness and treasure!
Near the very end of Mom’s life, she asked if she were dead. When I told her she wasn’t, her eyes popped open and she asked, “If I am not dead, what am I?”
I open a new season of dream study opportunities with that question for you to ponder. I invite you to live your life fully by allowing your dreams to guide you to your most joyful and fulfilled self!
