Thank you for sharing your experience with us. That whole-body awareness of the history of a space and the humans that came before us is just incredible.
I am sending you so much love as you navigate your mother-by-law’s next journey.
Your words have this special kind of magic where you can discuss such heavy things yet it feels like a safe, warm space to navigate these challenging, but shared, human experiences. Thank you for sharing your humanness with us and allowing us to learn through your paradigms, Jody! You’re amazing!
Such a beautiful piece in so many ways. My heart as well goes out to you as you shepherd your mother in law on her final journey. It is so painful and yet such a wonderful way to nurture and mother and be. I have had the privilege in my work to companion many parents through the loss of a child. And I have always felt that for all that we save, these are the journeys that I have taken that have made me the most proud of what I have done as a doctor. I always teach that if you can stay and accompany and witness these moments, however painful, it is a great gift to them and to yourself. I am wishing you needed strength peace and love for you and your partner these coming days and for peace and comfort for your mother in law. XX
My heart goes out to you as you accompany another elder towards her death.
I found it both an honor and a uniquely painful heartbreak all at once as I witnessed both Mom and Dad’s crossing.
I could feel myself not wanting to leave her bedside to care for my needs, lest she be alone at that final moment. Like the setting of the sun over the ocean, one second there, the next gone.
I now wonder if at the moments of passing, she might be both places at once? Both here and also observing. Always aware of the love she’s received from you and her son.
Be gentle with yourself as she is transitioning, allowing your heart to have a rest every day.
I am so sorry for this loss, Jody, and especially the timing of it coming so close to losing your own mother. This is a beautiful tribute to both of these women who have held such a special place in your heart, and to the many ways that we can mother others by helping them transition to and through the different phases of our existence. Sending love, light, and wishes for comfort for you.
Mother Mary came to me this week Jody when I asked for assistance in healing. I am not religious, but I embrace the significance of this goddess as she swept into help me this week. I find that in your words there is more synchronicity of the comfort that is available to us in our hour of need, in our darkest times. There is no judgment, there is only love and a mutual desire to find inner peace. Thank you for sharing this journey. 🙏💫
“I find it ironic that so many people long to live by the sea, to hear it whispering in the background of their day, as I have done for the last year, whereas for me, it’s always been mountains that activate my heart’s trap door of awe; indeed, if I spent too much time at sea level, I start to feel ‘low’.” I am exactly in this situation! This is a lovely post; your experience of grace is comforting.
I've experienced death recently Jody. An old friend who was part of a friendship group I was in, in the 1990s died last week. Quite suddenly and unexpectedly. We had lost touch, but lots of old memories surfaced,and I remember the times I had with her and that part of my life has now become a time capsule, never to be recaptured. Two members of the friendship group have passed now. They did not even reach their 60th birthdays. Its almost like time itself is whispering in my ear, reminding me to live, be brave and practice gratitude. 😍 xxx thanks for sharing your trip, it was wonderfully descriptive and interesting.
Thank you, Jody, for this wonderful piece. It brought back memories of Montserrat. I’ve visited La Moreneta several times when I lived in Barcelona. I agree that she has a power that is also gentle. There is so much history in that location.
I’m a new subscriber to your stack, and finding this post as my first one was quite unexpected and profound.
I send you and your partner strength and love in this time of transition. May it be a peaceful one for your partner’s mother.
Sending love Jody as you navigate this transition with your family. Birth and death seem to be the moments when the veil that separates us from the spirit world is thinest. Such a potent and powerful portal.
So beautiful in so many ways. Grateful that you shared your pilgrimage with us--I love those experiences and hearing about them in others. Mothering through death is very real and is a much more needed practice, awareness, recognition than the current world wants to ever give it. 💜
This is so beautiful. God be with you and your husband as you accompany your mother-in-law on her final journey.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. That whole-body awareness of the history of a space and the humans that came before us is just incredible.
I am sending you so much love as you navigate your mother-by-law’s next journey.
Your words have this special kind of magic where you can discuss such heavy things yet it feels like a safe, warm space to navigate these challenging, but shared, human experiences. Thank you for sharing your humanness with us and allowing us to learn through your paradigms, Jody! You’re amazing!
Such a beautiful piece in so many ways. My heart as well goes out to you as you shepherd your mother in law on her final journey. It is so painful and yet such a wonderful way to nurture and mother and be. I have had the privilege in my work to companion many parents through the loss of a child. And I have always felt that for all that we save, these are the journeys that I have taken that have made me the most proud of what I have done as a doctor. I always teach that if you can stay and accompany and witness these moments, however painful, it is a great gift to them and to yourself. I am wishing you needed strength peace and love for you and your partner these coming days and for peace and comfort for your mother in law. XX
My heart goes out to you as you accompany another elder towards her death.
I found it both an honor and a uniquely painful heartbreak all at once as I witnessed both Mom and Dad’s crossing.
I could feel myself not wanting to leave her bedside to care for my needs, lest she be alone at that final moment. Like the setting of the sun over the ocean, one second there, the next gone.
I now wonder if at the moments of passing, she might be both places at once? Both here and also observing. Always aware of the love she’s received from you and her son.
Be gentle with yourself as she is transitioning, allowing your heart to have a rest every day.
I am so sorry for this loss, Jody, and especially the timing of it coming so close to losing your own mother. This is a beautiful tribute to both of these women who have held such a special place in your heart, and to the many ways that we can mother others by helping them transition to and through the different phases of our existence. Sending love, light, and wishes for comfort for you.
Mother Mary came to me this week Jody when I asked for assistance in healing. I am not religious, but I embrace the significance of this goddess as she swept into help me this week. I find that in your words there is more synchronicity of the comfort that is available to us in our hour of need, in our darkest times. There is no judgment, there is only love and a mutual desire to find inner peace. Thank you for sharing this journey. 🙏💫
“I find it ironic that so many people long to live by the sea, to hear it whispering in the background of their day, as I have done for the last year, whereas for me, it’s always been mountains that activate my heart’s trap door of awe; indeed, if I spent too much time at sea level, I start to feel ‘low’.” I am exactly in this situation! This is a lovely post; your experience of grace is comforting.
I've experienced death recently Jody. An old friend who was part of a friendship group I was in, in the 1990s died last week. Quite suddenly and unexpectedly. We had lost touch, but lots of old memories surfaced,and I remember the times I had with her and that part of my life has now become a time capsule, never to be recaptured. Two members of the friendship group have passed now. They did not even reach their 60th birthdays. Its almost like time itself is whispering in my ear, reminding me to live, be brave and practice gratitude. 😍 xxx thanks for sharing your trip, it was wonderfully descriptive and interesting.
I’m in awe of such a profound experience. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Jody, for this wonderful piece. It brought back memories of Montserrat. I’ve visited La Moreneta several times when I lived in Barcelona. I agree that she has a power that is also gentle. There is so much history in that location.
I’m a new subscriber to your stack, and finding this post as my first one was quite unexpected and profound.
I send you and your partner strength and love in this time of transition. May it be a peaceful one for your partner’s mother.
What a beautiful post. Both elements beautifully expressed.
In regard to the two saints, Perpetua and Felicita, I wonder if they are behind the name of the old english climbing rose, Felicité-Perpétue....
Sending love Jody as you navigate this transition with your family. Birth and death seem to be the moments when the veil that separates us from the spirit world is thinest. Such a potent and powerful portal.
Thank you for sharing.
Being a nurse I have been privileged to support people in their final journey to what lies beyond. It is a gift.
Sending you hugs and good thoughts to support you and your partner.
What a wonderful trip!
So sorry about your mother-in-law. And, she is lucky to have you. Blessings to all three of you.
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing@
So beautiful in so many ways. Grateful that you shared your pilgrimage with us--I love those experiences and hearing about them in others. Mothering through death is very real and is a much more needed practice, awareness, recognition than the current world wants to ever give it. 💜