Thank you all for your kind words and support through my Mom’s transition.
I can feel the love. 💜
At a time like this, I am gently reminded of the impermanence of life, and the magic and intrigue of death.
I have been supremely blessed to have been present for both of my parents’ passings.
It’s in those moments when I’ve been confronted with the totality of my life’s path.
The moment to moment gestures of love, the times I have shown up, and the times I haven’t.
The feelings that were shared, and the feelings that shouldn’t have been shared.
This is what being human means, in all its goodness and all its messiness.
Bearing witness to the process of death and dying holds a power that no words can describe.
Watching the potential of the mind and the capability of the body to slowly shut down leaves me in total awe.
It’s the beauty of these experiences that I will carry with me for a lifetime.
My Mom’s last words were, “So nice, so nice.”
I have no idea if she said that because that’s how she felt, that’s where she was going, or because I was with all my brothers and sisters.
That’s all she wanted, was for us to always be together as a family.
In the end, it doesn’t matter why she said it, and regardless, those words are seeds.
Seeds for thought, and for holding the space of all possibility – even the possibility of not knowing for sure what she meant.
Yes, I am sad, but I am also content.
My heart feels full, because as my son said, “It’s sad that Nan is dying, but at least she’s doing it on her own terms, and more than that you can’t ask for.”
You, my students, have all been so supportive through this process.
Thank you so much.
With lots of love,
Michele
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Michele, this was beautiful and that is all that anyone can ask for — a peaceful death. I love you my friend.
So beautifully written, and yes, you are blessed to have been present with each parent. Be well, my friend.