Issue 27.13
Over the last ten years I’ve sat by the bedside of many dying persons. It has been a privilege to have talked with these beloved individuals in their final moments. During these sacred moments with them I have learned three important lessons.
First, the dying know that their days are numbered and quietly accept this. As verified in Psalm 139: “All the days ordained for me are written in your book.” The reality is that each life has a beginning and an ending, a birth and a death. When our time is up, it’s time for us to let go of this physical life. The dying know this truth and treasure these last moments here on earth as precious and sacred. They take the time to work through the process of letting go for themselves and others. Their main concern is saying goodbye to their loved ones.
Secondly, no matter how difficult life has been for the dying person, they acknowledge life as being Good. One person confided: “I have had a good life” even though he lost both parents when he was three years old and was adopted and raised in a foster home. He had other painful experiences in life but that didn’t keep him from enjoying the goodness of life as he continued to live a full life until he was 85!
Thirdly, the dying person does not want their loved ones to suffer. Their greatest desire for those they leave behind is that we continue to find joy in life and grow in love for one another. They encourage us to be happy – even without them. They do not want us to cling to the past or grieve for them. Rather, they want us to enjoy what life still has to offer us. The lines of the poem capture this sentiment of the dying: “Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I wish you sunshine and a bright tomorrow.”
As these lessons from the departed seep into our hearts, the sadness and grief we feel at their absence will begin to fade and gradually be replaced by the sweet memories of shared experiences of knowing and loving them. Recalling these memories will continue to be a support for us as we journey on in our own life.
To obtain more information about hospice and bereavement services, contact David Isom or Debbie Cox at 634-9300 in St. George and Lisa Ross at 635-9300 in Hurricane.
Rev. Luigi Persichetti is the spiritual counselor for Southern Utah Home Care and Hospice and retired Unity minister from Unity Center of Positive Living in St. George.