It was 6 years ago this May I had the gift of holding my Grandfather’s hand while he took his last breath on earth. I remember attending my other Grandfather’s funeral in Grade 9. It was the first funeral I had ever attended. You always seem to remember these things in your youth. Why do we often feel so weird about death and dying?
My crazy high school friend used to cut grass and cremate bodies at the local cemetery when we were in high school. I am not so sure I could cremate bodies, cut grass yes, but burn bodies not so sure I would know how to even add that to my resume.
I somehow ended up being at the hospital for a test the same day my Grandfather passed. His one wish was he didn’t want to be alone when he died. What a gift to be there when he was taking that last breath and to know that his spirit went to the other side.
It something almost surreal to explain that day 6 years ago, but I will try to tell you how I felt. We were with him, my parents and me, the day which was to be his last. He wasn’t in pain, so that was a blessing. He knew we were there and I remember he gently squeezed my hand. We spoke too him and told him we loved him and to not be afraid and to know we where there with him. I will never forget how his hand felt and I sometimes still feel it today at the oddest times. My brother passed 8 years ago and we were very close (best friends). I feel his presence all the time, usually he is holding my hand, or I might see a glimpse of him somewhere.
I was not really close with my Grandfather but have great memories of him. He was a prominent and greatly admired business man and pilot in the community. He had the largest construction company in our hometown at one time, started a large paving business and began the local Airport, my Grandmother stills lives there today. He was a colourful character full of life and vigour.
I could feel his last breath and his body slowly went pale, he was no longer the strong barrel of a man, but simply a body lying in the bed with no spirit. It was somehow peaceful and a pivotal moment I will not forget in my life. The spirit or soul as some call I know is what makes the person; I could feel when his soul left his body, as could my parents. I remember another friend who had experienced someone passing and seeing this same process. I truly believe we are just vessels holding different souls.
Anniversaries always seem to take us back to those days when we remember those who have gone before us. It is part of the life cycle. “Death and taxes they say are the only sure things in life”. But I am sure that our souls carry on when we leave this earth. So have fun while you hear because you just never know when you might take that last breath!
“Spiritual relationship is far more precious than physical. Physical relationship divorced from spiritual is body without soul”
~ Mahatma Gandhi
Talk soon ~
Nancy
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