Limbo. “The Waiting Place” (Dr Seuss). I love the three parts here, as always - brilliantly written.
My Mum lost the capacity for meaningful communication, which was SO SO hard.
I don’t do religion but I was effectively praying for her parents (long gone) to come and get her. It was torture.
I think she waited until my cousin came over from England and I had someone with me. On the second visit with my cousin, I felt my Mum skip out the door as we walked in to her room. My cousin is a nurse and we looked at Mum and decided between us that she had gone. I had to go tell the nurse in charge that my Mum wasn’t alive any more. You should have seen that nurse jump off her chair!
Beautiful, Deirdre. I love how you set up life and death through humor, then wrote a scene with your mother evoking exactly that. I remember that time with my own mom, the not-knowing and the particular quality of presence. 💙
the waiting. nothing prepares us for this moment. why not? the strangeness of it all, seeing your mother as helpless as a baby~not knowing what to say~ your writing captures all of that bewilderment. your place in relation to her....who knew that leaving this world was as difficult as entering..? painful and beautiful time. the writing feels like an urgent part of the experience~
My God, Deirdre. At the risk of repeating myself AGAIN, everything you write is exquisite and profound and devastating and hilarious. I just... I don't know how you do it but I am so glad to get to read your words.
I spoke to my dad the day before he left us, he said, "my numbers up darling, there's no changing the ticket now" it broke my freaking heart but he was right.
I love your way of seeing the world, Deidre, and big hug to you and your sweet mom. You made me smile with your hospice vignette and that’s not an easy thing to do with that situation. We laugh, we cry, how close those two emotions really are. 💗
Becket: Wait for Godot. Day after day. Then, maybe go. Maybe not. Our choice. Let go. Like diving off a board or jumping out of a plane. Spread your wings. Sail.
This is so beautiful, Deirdre. Expansive, wise, funny, sad, and so full of love. It's such a surreal thing to see a parent through hospice (as I've done with both of my parents now). I'm always so happy to see a new piece from you. This one will stay with me, for sure. All the best to you and your family.
Limbo. “The Waiting Place” (Dr Seuss). I love the three parts here, as always - brilliantly written.
My Mum lost the capacity for meaningful communication, which was SO SO hard.
I don’t do religion but I was effectively praying for her parents (long gone) to come and get her. It was torture.
I think she waited until my cousin came over from England and I had someone with me. On the second visit with my cousin, I felt my Mum skip out the door as we walked in to her room. My cousin is a nurse and we looked at Mum and decided between us that she had gone. I had to go tell the nurse in charge that my Mum wasn’t alive any more. You should have seen that nurse jump off her chair!
Wow. Amazing to see when someone’s not in their body anymore.
Dierdre, I just love your writing. I would love to see you!
Yes me too! Check your inbox I just sent a note. 💕
Beautiful, Deirdre. I love how you set up life and death through humor, then wrote a scene with your mother evoking exactly that. I remember that time with my own mom, the not-knowing and the particular quality of presence. 💙
Thanks Julie. It’s true. I’m so curious about these similarities we share in these experiences.
When fear is willing to sit down for a bit, wonder arrives. And beauty.
the waiting. nothing prepares us for this moment. why not? the strangeness of it all, seeing your mother as helpless as a baby~not knowing what to say~ your writing captures all of that bewilderment. your place in relation to her....who knew that leaving this world was as difficult as entering..? painful and beautiful time. the writing feels like an urgent part of the experience~
It’s such a strange place to be in, kind of waiting and trying to be present and knowing/ not knowing how it will end.
My God, Deirdre. At the risk of repeating myself AGAIN, everything you write is exquisite and profound and devastating and hilarious. I just... I don't know how you do it but I am so glad to get to read your words.
Noha! You made my day! Thank you.
I meant every word and I mean it every time.
I spoke to my dad the day before he left us, he said, "my numbers up darling, there's no changing the ticket now" it broke my freaking heart but he was right.
Gorgeous, deeply moving writing Deirdre...
Thanks Susie, and I love what your Dad said! He has some dramatic flair as well! :)
Love your writing, Deirdre. I’m in the same waiting game with my mom. Just a matter of time now…. Look forward to reading more.
Thank you. I have heard from at least 5 different people who are going through this. I’m glad we all found each other.
Just wrote a note about not planning to be a Death and Grief Writer, but…. 🫶🫶🫶
Beautiful
Thank you!
Gosh, you weave humor and humanity and heart together so seamlessly every time you write.
The waiting and wondering when is so hard. On everyone {*hugs*}
“To be seen! What a relief.” Yes , thank the good lord for our kids who hold us up to ourselves, right?
Thanks Allison and yes to everything you said! :)
I love your way of seeing the world, Deidre, and big hug to you and your sweet mom. You made me smile with your hospice vignette and that’s not an easy thing to do with that situation. We laugh, we cry, how close those two emotions really are. 💗
Thanks Amy and yes it's true they really are close!
❤️
This is wonderful. 🩷
Thanks Sharon!
Peace to you in the waiting, and thanks for sharing your beautiful writing.
Thank you!
Becket: Wait for Godot. Day after day. Then, maybe go. Maybe not. Our choice. Let go. Like diving off a board or jumping out of a plane. Spread your wings. Sail.
Exactly!
Love and comfort to you and yours during this time, Deirdre.❤️
Thank you!
This is so beautiful, Deirdre. Expansive, wise, funny, sad, and so full of love. It's such a surreal thing to see a parent through hospice (as I've done with both of my parents now). I'm always so happy to see a new piece from you. This one will stay with me, for sure. All the best to you and your family.
Thank you, Rob and yes, it really is surreal… it feels a little neither here nor there!