At the bedside the journey to the Afterlife may appear strenuous as the breath becomes labored or one falls deeper into a comatose state making ready for the soul’s departure from the body. Leaving this world is akin to coming into it, it is a labor of love. It is a process when illness takes control of the body and the soul knows it is time to take flight. There is a natural wisdom and rhythm to the body‘s shutting down, from the observer it may not appear that way, but it is truly a natural process.

One patient I visited was on the precipice of flight.  Her family distraught and so we spoke of the wisdom of the body and the soul.  Her body had shut down but her soul still lingered. What came next reminded me of the words of the lovely song “Amazing Grace“. They told me that the patient had been blind in her later years but just a few days ago she had reported seeing a beautiful tree, so beautiful it was difficult to describe.  It had not bloomed yet, the buds fit to burst. After describing this colorful wonder the patient said, “I am waiting for it to bloom.” Often the dying speak in metaphors, because the experience is so rich mere words cannot do it justice.

 “I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now, I see.”

She passed two days later, quietly, peacefully and among the beautiful blossoms.