I was out in the raspberry patch at 7.45 this evening when a flock of Canada geese passed overhead, honking and in their characteristic 'V.' I thought it a bit odd, they are not normally flying north or anywhere like that at this time of year and I wondered if they were going to get Esther.
Yes, they were.
She died peacefully at 8.45 tonight with one of her two sons and one of her two daughters at her side, and her other two children having called within five minutes of her death. So over the phone, separated by 65 miles, I read the prayer said at the time of death phrase by phrase and her son repeated it after me and he and his sister, laid hands on their mother, drew the sign of the cross on her forehead and blessed her.
Go in peace, dear Esther. May you rise in glory now. I'll catch up with you some day.
4 comments:
Prayers of peace and rest for Esther, for consolation, healing and hope for those she leaves behind.
(Oh my eyes burn - Word is Papacy. One could not make this up. Holy Mary Mother of God. I hate to type it.)
Yes -- that is what I did when my husband died. AND I had this real sense both that he died and that he was amazed and somewhat bemused to find what awaited him. I am completely sure that is what awaits me and Esther will also perhaps giggle at the amazing whatever that is there.
(this sounds new-age-y but is not meant to do so)
Beautiful, beautiful.
May God continue to do all those wondrous things through her, may she continue to grow in grace in that place promised to her and to all the faithful.
And God bless you, her faithful friend and priest.
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