Absolute Sway

By John Blase | February 21, 2013 |
He sits with his mother in room 710.
The pain from her broken back is not
quite so proud today so they seize the
chance to talk because they both know
time is thinning. Her memory at 88 is
still hungry so he lures her to the waters
of that old hymn – Have Thine Own Way.
She follows for her sake as much as his.
With a dulcet voice she sings a song sung
many times over but now the notes work
toward her final molt so she can rise to fly.
He sits in her waiting, yielded and still.
 
 

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18 Comments

  1. nwhannas on February 21, 2013 at 2:00 pm

    Was just in an Iowa hospital room w/my 87 year old grandma, last weekend. She helped raise me. Caught myself wondering… What do you, or how do you style your hair, or do your make up for the last time you might see someone?

    This was perfect.

    Reply
    • nwhannas on February 21, 2013 at 2:01 pm

      What do you wear? ^^^

      Reply
  2. mike graves on February 21, 2013 at 2:10 pm

    John,Never met Mrs. Blase but I’ve heard so much about her, I surely know the pioneer stock she is.What a great family she’s raised.Wish I could take Bro Blases pain away.

    Reply
    • thebeautifuldue on February 21, 2013 at 10:16 pm

      Mike, she’s a stout-hearted lady. Thanks for your prayers.

      Reply
  3. Len Sweet on February 21, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    masterful

    Reply
  4. hisfirefly on February 21, 2013 at 4:07 pm

    the final molt, yes

    Reply
  5. wynnegraceappears on February 21, 2013 at 5:23 pm

    I know this thinning time and it leaves me cold, chilled by a gnawing longing for more.

    Reply
    • thebeautifuldue on February 22, 2013 at 4:00 pm

      Elizabeth, thanks for your words…it does feel chilled.

      Reply
  6. Lynn Severance on February 21, 2013 at 5:56 pm

    Beautifully expressed, esp. poignant for those of us who have been through this experience with a loved one who is easing their way into eternity.

    Reply
    • thebeautifuldue on February 22, 2013 at 4:01 pm

      Lynn, my grandmother is the last of her silbings, so this one feels heavy.

      Reply
      • Lynn Severance on February 22, 2013 at 8:21 pm

        It is heavy. It is an unknown heavy to face the realities that generations are going on before us. We have not had to face their not being with us as they “always” have been and we ( unconsciously ) take that for granted.

        I am at an age where my generation is now the older one – has happened in just the last two years. Life takes on a dimension that I had never recognized before in that I want the days and hours to count more, be more aware of the preciousness of time.

        Walk gently and we will walk with you to lighten your steps.

        Reply
  7. patriciaspreng on February 21, 2013 at 11:02 pm

    Being there in the waiting… is everything. I know you hurt for her pain… prayers for a very special kind of strength as you help them and for her comfort.

    Reply
    • thebeautifuldue on February 22, 2013 at 4:02 pm

      Patricia, thank you for the prayers…they feel more like groans.

      Reply
  8. Sallie on February 22, 2013 at 2:55 am

    All of me aches . . . and hopes. . . Hard and holy ground, and my heart is attentive on your behalf.

    Reply

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