Our journey with hospice

As I sit by my dad's side watching him pass through the final stages of life as we know it, in the physical sense, I have found comfort in words, music, art and laughter. I don't know how I'm supposed to act, what I'm supposed to do for my dad or what to expect. There's no How-To book for patients and loved ones going through hospice. I can only hope my dad is comfortable and that his spirit is at peace. And, I hope I have the strength to handle it all. I'm sharing some of those things which are bringing me comfort during this difficult time in the hopes that they bring comfort to someone else out there in this cyber world.

A butterfly lights beside us, like a sunbeam...
and for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world...
but then it flies on again, and although
we wish it could have stayed,
we are so thankful to have seen it at all.
-Author Unknown

(photo taken outside of my home this fall)

Two little moths joined us shortly after my dad started letting go. They have remained near my dad almost as if they're watching down on him, making sure he's ok. Are they spirits? Are they my grandparents, ensuring my dad's spirit is safe? I don't know but I find them extremely comforting.

The following quote has been surfacing a lot recently as my mom and I face the inevitable passing of my dad. He was such a fan of Gibran and I know that's why this quote found me recently. I find it very comforting as I realize we should never place sadness on something which made/makes us happy. Instead, we should feel so very grateful for that happiness and the memory of it should continue to make us happy :)