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Thank you David. Your post reminded me of the first time I encountered Sogyal Rinpoche"s The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Many years ago as a geriatric nurse , I was the only witness to one of my residents dying. He had no living family and I felt bad that he would be alone. I still remember his name and face, and as I stood at his …
Thank you David. Your post reminded me of the first time I encountered Sogyal Rinpoche"s The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Many years ago as a geriatric nurse , I was the only witness to one of my residents dying. He had no living family and I felt bad that he would be alone. I still remember his name and face, and as I stood at his bedside observing his last breaths, I suddenly realized the immense gift I was being given at being present with him at this time of transition. I just remained standing by his side and thinking/speaking "You are not alone." After his death, I remember looking around his room and I felt he wanted me to take a little seashell from his dresser as a remembrance. Somehow the book became present in my life at that time period, and it opened my heart to so much. Since that experience I have been privileged to be with many others, human and non-human, at the times of their deaths. I am grateful and humbled.
Many thanks for sharing this, Marilyn! Helping people have a peaceful death is one of the greatest things that can be offered. I have a post on this coming up. Warmest wishes, David