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Death is not some far away thing
seeker242
ZenFlorida, USA Veteran
An email I got from a Sangha member:
MY SISTER, AMY SEGAL
I want to thank all of you who expressed your caring and support during these last few weeks of my sister's life. She died around midnight Friday night/Saturday morning. It was an answer to my prayer that she be released from her suffering and pain. It has been very difficult though, sitting with her over the last week in hospice. When she was conscious, she was in so much pain. Sometimes I or one of our other sisters could console her, but it got more and more difficult. Sometimes, I stroked her arm as I held her arms down so the nurse could administer a needle, while she cried with pain.
Yet it was a magical time in a way. Sometimes I'd be alone with her and sit zazen with her while she was sleeping. Or with other family members there too. I felt my breath change its rhythm to match hers. I spoke to her being, and even in silence, she spoke to mine. I read "Being With Dying" by Joan Halifax Roshi as I sat in the waiting room or next to her. Everything during this time seemed so surreal.
I want to thank you all again. I felt even amidst my grief, as if I had the strength to comfort not only Amy, while she was alive, but also the other family members who were taking it very hard. I felt I drew that strength from my family, the sangha and my practice.
MY SISTER, AMY SEGAL
I want to thank all of you who expressed your caring and support during these last few weeks of my sister's life. She died around midnight Friday night/Saturday morning. It was an answer to my prayer that she be released from her suffering and pain. It has been very difficult though, sitting with her over the last week in hospice. When she was conscious, she was in so much pain. Sometimes I or one of our other sisters could console her, but it got more and more difficult. Sometimes, I stroked her arm as I held her arms down so the nurse could administer a needle, while she cried with pain.
Yet it was a magical time in a way. Sometimes I'd be alone with her and sit zazen with her while she was sleeping. Or with other family members there too. I felt my breath change its rhythm to match hers. I spoke to her being, and even in silence, she spoke to mine. I read "Being With Dying" by Joan Halifax Roshi as I sat in the waiting room or next to her. Everything during this time seemed so surreal.
I want to thank you all again. I felt even amidst my grief, as if I had the strength to comfort not only Amy, while she was alive, but also the other family members who were taking it very hard. I felt I drew that strength from my family, the sangha and my practice.
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