I am now administering Shelley's drugs with syringes. She did not eat yesterday and only had a few sips of water. Even while so much energy is being consumed to wend her way through these last days, she is still clear headed when awake. She is also mostly free of pain.
My/our friend, Marie Claire, told me yesterday that she has taken a week's vacation next week so that either she or her partner can be here round the clock with me. They think that "familiar faces" would be better than having a private nurse come in. Tears still well up whenever I think about this incredible act of compassion and their insistent/persistent/constant love and care around us both. Ann also continues to be present daily. She is often running errands for me and has been a link to health-care equipment stores buying such things as wonderful sheep-skin booties for Shelley that have made such a difference for her sore feet.
A friend recently wrote that "it is as hard staying open to death as it is keeping open to love but they are related to each other aren't they."
In our quiet home filled with loving energy, we are staying open to death and keeping open to love.
7 comments:
hi you two--i am holding you both--my dear dear friends, in love and prayer----oh what DO we do with so great a love ???-------love janie
My heart is heavy with the impending loss of Shelley. My heart is full from the love that I have seen demonstrated for these two extraordinary women during this time. My heart rejoices because of the priviledge of knowing both of you! May God continue to surround you both with her love.
I met Shelley only once, at A Continent In Song, in the Qu'Appelle Valley. It was through listening to her speak that I learned another important part of Canada's feminist herstory. For that I will always be grateful.
At this time I want to wish Shelley a gentle passage, peace and love.
Dear Shelley and Diane,
Morning rises on shore line,
both of you bathe in golden wind inside of me,where no words enter , being only being stands with the newness of the day and we walk across, witness and partners in love.
Di and Shell, just to let you know we have you both in our thoughts back here in the UK, I remember the great times during your visits over here and my holiday over there when I was just 16 will stay with me!
So glad we were all able to be together in Devon on your last visit with Brian.
Love David, Carolyn, Doris and the Martin clan.
The world is a sadder place without
Shelly. Even though we didn't always see eye to eye, Shelly and I had a profound respect for one another. She enriched our lives in many ways - she will be missed.
elaine
I have only today discovered that Shelley, someone who impacted my life journey so significantly, has herself faced the final earthly journey and now embarks on the spiritual journey of total embracement of the soul. Although my heart is heavy with Shelleys' passing, it also sings with the memories of her laughter, her guiding spirit and her insatiable love of music.
The last time I saw Shelley she was leading a workshop at Gibson Memorial United Church in Fredericton. She appeared well and in good spirit, and was as always, appreciative of the music shared within the Sunday service. She commented on the "small but mighty choir" and the anthem they had offered during the worship celebration. Her comments moved me and brought back the love of student to teacher, reminicent of those feelings shared throughout my time at AST. Her presence inspired me and I was compelled to call her after her return home to Nova Scotia. The need to reconnect was overwhelming and as I heard her voice I told her how thankful I was for her part in my spiritual, personal and academic journey while at AST. In reflection, I am so glad I took the time to remind her of how she had touched my life so meaningfully. In retropsect, it has made her passing a little easier to acknowledge.
Today I once again send Shelley my love and am reassured that her spirit will, from time to time, stop me in my tracks as she leans into my vertically challeneged frame, reminding me that we must respond when others cannot or will not.
Shelley, you made such a differenc in how I experienced myself as female, and you nudged me when I was reluctant or fearful to take the next step on my own journey. For that, the love I share with the world has always saved a special place for you in my heart. I will miss you terribly, but I know that when I sing, like we use to do at AST, you are sharing my song...and yes...you ARE on the right note!!! I celebrate your life my friend...but mostly I embrace your spirit that resonates within me...for that I feel so blessed to have journeyed with you for a short while...I am so very grateful!!!
Journey on...journey on!!!
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