This mingling of life, death and falling is not so strange that we cannot even know where we truly are, for our perceptions are so sundered from each other that we can’t tell what is real
Julian of Norwich – Revelations of Divine Love
For most people, one of the most challenging statements is that Dying is part of living, for we are on the path of Dying from the moment we take our first breath as an infant. Our time on earth may be short for some, and we particularly think of infants and children who die young, and for others, years roll by longer, but to have life in focus, we must have death in our field of vision.
Within this vision, we see life as a preparation for Death, and Death as a preparation for life. Death is an event in life and is an essential part of our life process.
If we are to meet our own death without fear, then we must allow the rays of life’s sunlight to touch our souls, accept that we cannot live forever, and make the most of each precious moment. We contribute to humanity and to the Kingdom of God through our understanding of our purpose and why we are here.
As an End-of-life Doula, one of my roles is to help people reflect on their lives and to assist in writing an Advanced Statement. This document acknowledges that important milestones have happened in their life, people and events which they hold dear, and as Death approaches, they may want to write letters to friends they have not seen for a long time, seek forgiveness from those they have hurt, enjoy their favourite food or to do or watch activities they have enjoyed in their life.
When our ultimate ‘moving day’ arrives, are we ready?
Prayer
God who moves within the veil of life and death,
Allow the rays of life’s sunshine to bathe my soul
To enable me to fly to a place of rest
Allow my stories to be heard
To enable laughter to ring in the ears of people I love
Allow my love and energy to cascade to others
To replace fear with hope
Allow my life to be purposeful So I may embrace death, knowing I have given my all for others. Amen
A 'Saint' in the making 