Vigils, Doulas, Saints and Angels...it’s hard for me to distinguish among these.
A few weeks ago I had the privilege of
leading part of a training event for our Vigil Volunteers (as we call them…others call
them doulas). I think saints and angels
might be better.
What a group…Willing to go to the bedside of the dying at
all hours of the day and dark hours of the midnight shift…soul-shaking
commitment.
Who was I to try to tell them how to do their work? It’s either in your heart or it isn’t. I have
sat by the bed of many a person dying, no family, no friends, no one. Dying alone doesn’t remotely sound
inviting. Heart cries out to heart, soul
reaches out for soul…we need each other, particularly at life’s final moment. “I’m
afraid.” “I feel cold.” “Does God really love me?” “Where am I going when I
close my eyes?” “Can you hold my hand,
please?” Then, silence… Death is approaching.
Providing vigils with readings, methods, boundaries, and the
like are necessary. Heart is more
necessary. I can’t teach that. I sat in awe as I read the “Loss Exercise”
and watched this group weep over what they were choosing to lose when it came
to their own health (as they related to the story in the Loss Exercise). If you don’t have that piece, ask and I’ll
send it. Tenderhearted group. I urged each to be sure they took care of
themselves as tenderhearted people sometimes get lost in the chaos of life.
So, these are my thoughts on vigils, doulas, saints and
angels. The ground I trod that training
day was surely holy ground…
3 comments:
I really like this because I see death, based on God's Word, as more of a birth, the beginning of a new, great adventure, than an ending. Thanks for this perspective on those who guide others into the light of new birth.
Richard, sorry, this should be on email, but I think many are wondering how you all made out with the storm Matthew?
Thanks for your concern. We had very little storm damage for which we are grateful. I took some time away to rest and support my wife who had surgery. CPE begins on October 24. I have a cohort of 5 for this unit. Again, thanks for your support and prayers.
Post a Comment