Since I was a young child I picked wild flowers or bought flowers for my mom on Mother’s Day. After a long life of being a daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, grandmother, gardener, storyteller, and the best pie maker in the south my little mother’s body just started getting worn out and she was ready to leave. I had the honor to do Healing Touch Chakra Spread, a type of energy work that helps one through transitions such as death. This was a sacred moment in time shared with my sister, aunt and hospice nurse. Her energy field gradually lifted and dispersed and she began to transform right before my eyes. Her breathing became shallower, her blue eyes glowed with an intense light from within and I am certain she was looking into the other side. This was just at daybreak and a tiny bird appeared on the tree just outside the bedroom window. It seemed to be waiting patiently.

Though painful hearing those that loved her crying and hurting so badly, I was determined to remain grounded and completely aware of every last moment in this life left with my mother and to be present and responsible for all the other things that needed to be taken care of. Being in the present moment throughout the day while engaging in conversation with the funeral home, the attending doctor, nurses, friends and family actually helped cut down on the stress. I knew that having a busy mind, distractions and multitasking would have been less effective and would have taken away from precious memories that “might have been”.

Mother was there for my first breath, my sisters’ and my aunt’s. She allowed us the privilege to be present for her last. As she did so the little bird ruffled its wings took one last look and effortlessly flew away.