When the Music Fades

Posted on January 12, 2008

This evening as we wheeled my mother-in-law into the living room, I was reflecting about life and how one measures it. She is in the last days of battling Parkinsons and a very aggressive cancer. We turned on the Gipsy Kings, her favorite group and listened as she enjoyed the vibrant songs that characterized her life. Irma has always been a spunky independent sort that danced to her own tune. She’s a fighter and one who could hold her own in difficult circumstances.
 

I’ve always enjoyed a wonderful relationship with her and count her as one of those unique gifts in my life. Even tonight I was joking with her that we’d get her going in the wheel chair but she wouldn’t be able to dance to the tune. In Irma fashion, she tapped her foot in a bit of a dance just to let me know she was in charge. What a hoot.

The beginning and end of life is such a precious thing. The birth of children bring joy with an expectancy of new life. Instantly their life changes yours forever. Becoming a parent is one of the most amazing things I will ever experience on the face of this earth.

When life starts to draw to it’s end, there is another tender time when loved ones though saddened, once again can celebrate the life of one dearly loved. We don’t know exactly how many days remain with her, but we count each one a blessing. It is our privilege to have her in our home to live out the last of her days with the same dignity she has lived with every day of her life.

The bouquet above from our table is filled with roses and lillies. The roses symbolize to me the romance and zest for life on earth and the lillies for new life as one passes from this one to the next.

 

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8 Responses to “When the Music Fades”

  1. Mark Palmer on January 13th, 2008 3:26 pm

    Phil-

    I am sorry to hear about your mom. I’ve been though a similar experience as well.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Peace and Cheers,
    Mark

  2. kellypea on January 15th, 2008 6:28 pm

    How very lovely, Phil. Best wishes to you all for as many days as you can squeeze in and cherish.

  3. Phil on January 15th, 2008 9:16 pm

    Thanks for the good thoughts Kelly. These have been good days in so many ways. Full of surprises.

  4. Phil on January 15th, 2008 9:40 pm

    Mark,

    Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. We really can tell a difference when people pray.

  5. Carol on January 18th, 2008 4:03 pm

    Hi Phil,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I lost my mother-in-law last week from a fast moving cancer.

  6. Phil on January 18th, 2008 6:28 pm

    Carol, So very sorry to hear of your loss as well. May you and your family experience comfort and peace during this time. My mother-in-law seems very near the end as each day brings new change. It was quite a sudden process as it seems that her Parkinsons has masked the cancer symptoms.

  7. Brenda Friedrich on February 12th, 2008 8:20 pm

    Lovely post … and not easy to write I’m sure. I can relate as I lost a sister-in-law to cancer last year … and as my parents enter their twilight years. I look forward to reading more from you!

  8. Phil on February 12th, 2008 8:25 pm

    Thanks Brenda. We just lost her a couple of weeks ago now. That’s put a temporary damper on blogging but I’m getting back in the groove soon. Thanks for reading and commenting.

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