Five More Breaths: Be Patient With The Dying

Dear Readers,

It is a pleasure to announce my new book:  Path of Possibilities, 101 One-Hundred Word Stories, available on Amazon.

What is it about? These very short stories (a genre known as Flash Fiction,) are grouped in four sections: 

• Adventuring in nature
• Being human
• 'Bizarro' -- strange circumstances, and
• Consciousness and spirit. 

I enjoyed every hour of writing and believe there is something here for every reader. I hope you'll check it out.

Today, I want to share a story (#100), derived from one of my vigiling experiences; of course, names have been changed.

Five More Breaths

Elsa headed home for supper with the cat. “Bring a jacket back; it cools after dark,” called Rosie, checking Joseph’s pulse. Mouth breathing now, his cage of ribs as delicate as bird bones, lifted slightly. She raised the window sash before returning to Joseph. I sensed a passage for spirits as she coaxed, “You get going now. We love you but those angels are waiting.”

Stillness. Satisfied he’d departed, Rosie removed the pillow, straightened the sheet, and left. I stayed, watchful. 

Breath. Space. I stayed. 

Breath. 

I’m still here, Joseph. Are you? 

Breath. Life’s last emberglow. Breath. 

Lifting. 

Breath. 

Free.

💜💜💜 from Path of Possibilities, 101 One-Hundred Word Stories ©2023 Deborah Rochon Roberts

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Have Patience

This vigil reminded me that, despite the physical signs of active dying, we must be patient! Vigiling is the gift of presence that abides with whatever is happening. We recognize that this is not some quantifiable medical phenomenon.

This is a sacred time in which the dying person is perceiving on another level (yes, even when unconscious,) and they will choose when to leave.

Sometimes called Cheyne-Stokes breathing, there may be slowing, often irregular and widely spaced breaths--just as this story's gentleman experienced. Be attentive...and patient. In another home vigil, the nurse arrived within 30 minutes of our calling; death had occurred but this wise professional checked carotid and radial pulses and then spent a full minute listening to the heart with a stethoscope before pronouncing and noting a time of death.

I always find it useful to step away from my long-practiced experience to remember that we each may have a first time at the bedside of a dying loved one. It is such a profound time, overflowing with a blend of love, sadness, relief, fear, and uncertainty. For these reasons, I return to my blog's urging to share support and comfort with the grieving.There will be time for words and time for quiet presence. If it's been awhile since you were called to confort with condolence, browse this website--there are so many topics-- trust your caring intentions, and begin.

Thank you for caring...and sharing!