As many know i just returned home from spending the last 6 weeks with my brother Bob who lost his battle with cancer.. i just felt like writing about his last hour in his rest home/hospice. he swore he would make it to his birthday.
"just let go"
1135pm- a rhythmic moan accompanied each breath, masking the ticking or the clock. hearts heavy Bob's weary from exertion, the struggle between life and letting go continued.
"just let go"
At1150 the evening nurse,"Janet" bounded in, thinking we should have a party to celebrate Bobs momentarily birthday, She was determined to deliver at least an assortment of ice cream cups, if no cake.The collection tumbled onto the table near bro Mike as the piano playing of a Jim Beckmans "faith"cd rested.
As midnight neared bro Mike peeked at his cell then suddenly the guy down the hall broke the silence blowing in a harmonica as he entered the room. this guy was close to 90 yrs in his red flannal pj's he played happy birthday Bob. as "ray" the harmonica player left i glanced at the clock it was just past midnight.
mike said" happy 61st birthday Bob say hi to Mom"
we quitley sang happy birthday Bob
The transformation was begining. Bobs breathing whispered. No more moans. a few sighs of deep breaths. Bob was letting go of this life and entering a perfect one.
I sttod close to bro Mike with my arm around him. we were holding on for the letting go. we breathed with Bob. we stilled with each pause. then breathed again, until tenderly his breaths quieted and there were no more.
RIP 9/20/2010 12:35 a/m.
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