As you know from my previous couple of blogs, my precious gran is in the end stages of life. I am trying, with all my might to slow down and be present in the process. I want to cherish the last moments and observe outside of what I normally would.
Today was good. Relatively speaking.
My gran was more responsive. She was awake most of the day. She knew who we all were. She could carry on conversations. She scolded my uncle for picking on me (she always has taken up for me). I find myself wondering if this is a boost of good because the end is more near or if we really are improving in some ways. I’m a little selfish in her good day because it gave me another chance to visit and have conversation with her.
I don’t think we enjoy simple conversation enough. I think we sometimes feel like we have to speak so “significantly” and be full of opinions, that we forget some of the best things shared, are simple.
Today, I purposely had and soaked up plain conversations. And even still, in the midst of this sadness, my heart is so full. I cannot say that enough. My heart is SO FULL. I am amazed at how when you slow down, what you really get out of it.
I talked with my gran who even in dying, is still showing upmost kindness. She apologizes to her nurses for having to do the unpopular work. She says yes ma’am and no ma’am. She doesn’t ask for anything. But she tells you that she loves you. She scolds my uncle for picking on me. I watched her talk to every single visitor she has had today. She has asked more about them than giving them the chance to check on her. She asked great-granddaughters how their day was and never complained even when she was tired.
I soaked up her simple kindness in conversation.
I talked with my little nieces who came to visit. I had the privilege of keeping them occupied in the spare room so we wouldn’t disturb gran and my sister could visit with her, without little hands and voices. I learned that Oreos are very important to toddlers. Few sounds are sweeter than the conversations between sisters as they share some Sweet-Tarts.
I learned that 6 year olds know what selfies, Snapchat amd wi-fi is. Sometimes all we really need are a handful of snacks, an Oreo crumbed kiss and to hear “ricia I wub you whole bunch”
I soaked up innocence in conversation.
I visited with my gran’s aide (I also used to work with her as a teenager when I was an ER clerk). She has served others for 26 years. She has always been vivacious. She loves a good casino and shopping trip. She just lost her husband 2 months ago and decided to keep working to stay busy. Her dog also died this week. She is thankful. My gran responded the most in conversation (that I saw) with her. Her voice is gentle.
I soaked up strength, resilience and gentle in conversation.
Today is good. My spirit needed it.
Alicia Out Loud 