Thanks, ((((MS))))
Write, thank you for taking the trouble to type that. It is so beautiful...I am thinking of sending it to R's partner.
Beth, I know what you mean. I was with my father for a long period as his night nurse every weekend for six months and then alll the time in the last few days of his life...I watched so closely. Cancer had made him skeletal, but he was a radiant person. The pain was controlled and I believe he found peace. I was holding his hand when he died, and alone with him. We had beautiful music playing. He released his last fears, and I remember telling him, trust, go toward the light, and it was as though even though he couldn't speak I could feel him agreeing, cooperating, showing he was going into the light. I will never forget the look of wonder on his face.
I know R's death will be similar. She will be surrounded by love and touched only by loving hands.
I'm not afraid of death. Not too keen on pain, but most of the time, there's good control. Morphine.
One thing about R. She brought so many people together. The church will be filled with singng, the local women's choir, a famous country singer who was her childhood friend, flowers and so many people who loved her. She will be, as you said Write, leaving such a legacy of beauty.
It's just hard that she is having to leave it all behind, at 54. She loved life so much, and made so much beauty from it. She was so eager to keep painting, wanted to so much. But it's her time and I believe she has accepted it.
I hope I'll have half her courage when the time comes.
Thanks, all, I feel your sympathetic hearts.
Hops