We have scheduled Pop's memorial mass for the week after July 4th. I thought about him a lot on the boat. He was sick with complications of liver disease for almost two years. He bled from varices in the esophagus. He was in a coma several times from edema and ammonia building up in his brain. He had a damaged heart from an infarction years ago. A part of his aorta had been replaced due to an aneurism. Yet, he lived to be 92. Amazing really.
And now Mr. Mandela is near death after a life of fighting for freedom and rights and the betterment of all. Old bodies wear out no matter how much will to live one has. I wish for a kind transition for the old warrior and statesman. Others will continue the fight for equality on all fronts. We still have a ways to go but progress continues to be made in the face of fear and bigotry.
I am tired now. It's very hot and humid back on land. Tonight more storms are forecast. And the moon that shone so brightly last week is now waning. It's blood pull no longer disrupting my sleep. I was moon struck for a while. Now I feel peaceful. Time for me to take a nap for an hour and then finish up with cleaning the boat.
Photos from the week:
Ah, Syd. Yes. This post made me feel peaceful and grateful. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYour words strike close to home. I can see my father losing ground, especially the last six months. I'm not ready to lose him yet - but his body is wearing out. He is still mentally well enough to realize he is wearing out. And he is not ready yet either. Such is life.
ReplyDeletewhat is that old piece of wood frame in the water?
ReplyDeletesorry i got distracted...smiles...yeah i hope mandela goes peacefully into the night after fighting for so long for his people...maybe that is the best we can all hope for...to go peacefully when the time comes...and not suffer too much...
Glad it was a safe trip.
ReplyDeleteOkay, Syd - - - Once again, you have managed to get past a seeming myriad of life and death experiences and challenges. Between the lines of this beautiful blog of yours today - - - I can see a great exercising of a slogan: "Let Go and Let God."
ReplyDeleteGlad you are safely back home with the boat in safe harbor.
Hugs and love,
Anonymous #1
I envy you being able to go to your boat ;). That would be an ultimate serenty for me.
ReplyDeleteI also captured photos of the Super Moon Sunday night though mine doesn't do it quite justice like yours did. Those pictures are amazing!
Wow, those photos are gorgeous. You could make a second career of your photography.
ReplyDeleteI've thought the same thing MANY times ...
DeleteMay Mandela pass in the peace he created with his nonviolent defiance.
ReplyDeleteYea 6AM Syd...a few more blogs then I have to agree: NAP TIME!!!
The photography is stunning. I particularly love the moonsetting photo.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you got some peace.
Moon Stuck - Funny Cher was on a talk show last night and she said it was her favorite acting gig. I love that movie it is so funny and ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to get a rest and process life. Nice pictures.
Oh your pictures are so beautiful! I'm glad you are feeling more at peace. So happy to read this restful and peaceful post from you.
ReplyDeleteGreat Photos,Be greatful that your dad lived that long,my Dad Died at the age of 58 of a heat attack.Peace be with you my Brother.
ReplyDeleteSyd...just catching up. I'm so sorry. I can't imagine the sorrow for your wife (and you) losing both parents in such a short time. Be gentle with yourselves...
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss Syd. May God's peace reign in your heart. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures. When I need that shot in the arm I always come back here, get a good dose of Al-Anon and some serenity from the beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to see you have a second loss so soon. I had a half-brother who died last May. Had stage 4 cancer for 10 yrs and it was his liver that was giving him problems. He died from his liver...not the cancer. That was tough. He was a fighter. Never went to Al-Anon and since he asked me to come see him before he died, I had the opportunity to share a bit. Hopefully to help him ease his anger and resentment at our dad. With tears he finally said "it's hard". I pray I was God's hands and feet during that time and I was able to pass on my experience strength and hope. Thanks again Syd.
I am with you in your grief. You are so kind, spiritual and deep. You will be a blessing to hospice as you have already been to your family.
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