“Myth is much more important and true than history. History is just journalism and you know how reliable that is.” —Joseph Campbell
I took this picture yesterday in the golden hour at the care home. It’s me and some mythical creature, a nymph perhaps, caught in stone…and shadow. Caught between both worlds, I can relate with her. 
Here’s a definition of Mythical Creature that I found online: ” A mystical, mythical, or legendary creature is a creature from mythology or folklore (often known as “fabulous creatures” in historical literature)” In other words, a FABULOUS being. I’ve been seeing a lot of them lately.
One friend recently wrote me to say that its a privilege to walk someone into death. She said these people get to see things, “like in Harry Potter, when they got to see the Thestrals.” I smilled…sort of knowing what she meant. Things have been happening around here for awhile.
My mom brought Justine up for a swim and some cuddles last night. Even this little mortal has taken on Mermaid form.
And I heard a beaming report of Maki from the mother of his best friends ( THE TWINS). She told me she wasn’t used to someone opening doors for her and carrying her groceries. Here’s a picture she sent from their school supply run to Target, while the kids were in Water Polo practice. ALL of Maki’s parents would be proud! I know I am.
Here are some more mythic people I’m having the pleasure of knowing…people living and working in this alternate universe of a convalescent hospital:
Dr. Hong popped by this morning, agreeing with our request that Vernon be on 24 hour morphine now. Even Vernon is no longer resisting. For the past couple of days, he resisted medication till it got too bad. He knew it kept him form the clarity of communication—the surge he knew he’d been having. It was confusing yesterday for me…until I spoke to a Hospice nurse about it. She told me it’s more important to keep him comfortable and pain free than anything else right now. As of this morning, he’s taking morphine frequently, and gratefully.
Above is a picture taken last week with his evening CNA, Judy. She’ll miss him.
Here is a picture of Ramona, his daytime CNA. She finally posed for a picture. She was too distraught when I asked her for one last week.
But she was up for one today. It’s very important that he says clean and shaved for visitors (me!)
Here I am with Carlos, one of the first residents I met here. He had stopped by our door the other day after hearing the news, offering his condolences and prayers. These patients live closer to life’s veil than most of us. Maybe we are all close, but they are more aware of it. They live with dying everyday…in themselves and in their neighbors.
Speaking of mythical creatures, here is sweet Anita, our siren and flower-whisperer. Today she asked me to cut her a rose as she was no longer able to do that. I managed to get one to her, cut from the front garden with scissors from the reception desk. De-thorned, of course.
And here is our epic hero, Joe, a steadfast friend till the end.
Mere mortals? I think not. They are “fantastic beings” all and we are privileged to see them.
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May god bless each and every one of them. Thank you for allowing us on this journey with you Allison. We are honored and better people because of it.
How beautiful each photagraph, each soul is. Truly, they all glow with love. How wonderful to see that radiant smile on your face, the one on your little mermaid and dashing Maki.
Tears… So much light coming from Mere Mortals
xoxo
Lovely
Your in our thoughts and Prayers Allison. You are being a bright light in the midst of the storm. You can just feel the love through your pictures…thank you for sharing all this with us. As you know I walked through this with my sister almost 2 years ago and its an amazing journey seeing what God can do as we leave this earth. Love, Joe and Nancy
A circle of fantastic mystical friends, heart to heart with you and Vernon and the kids.
Tears, Prayers, Love and Gratitude…💜
Allison, my heart goes out to you. I cannot imagine how you feel but I volunteer at hospice, usually given respite care for the care-givers and now visiting with a 97 year old lady who is in a care-home once a week. I am so amazed and thankful for all the people who take care of patients in nursing homes and for the hospice workers, I am not sure if I could do this all the time. My prayers are with you, the kids and the rest of the family, without ceasing. I only know that God’s timing is never too late or too early even though we don’t understand. Please feel yourself hugged and also give Cambria a hug from me.
This is beautiful Allison. You are so right they are fantastic and you are too! Thinking of you. Lots of love.
Fantastic For Sure=) so amazing as I have been reading along it reminds me of the writings of Henri Nouwen=) Love you and Thank You XXOO sending our BIG Love and Prayers
You are finding, as many do, that there are beautiful moments in the midst of the dying process. I am so blessed, as are countless others, by your sharing these moments that are so intimate and personal. Praying for continued strength and peace for your entire family. Hugs from Wyoming.
XX LOVE YOU ALLISON ..LOVE YOU VERN XX
Oh sweet friend, I can see the inner colors of these beautiful creatures thru your lens. You have such a gift in capturing truth in essence, color in sadness, hope in despair, joy in the mourning.
I keep thinking of how brightly and colorfully the leaves shine as they change, letting go into a new season, back to the earth, the source, the Creator ready to embrace them fully transforming them before our eyes before He takes them into his glorious arms.
“One foot in heaven” Sandy says. Love that. Love you.
I’ve been praying that God would give you supernatural peace as you and your family walk thru the garden of falling leaves.
(Wow, I really got a little “out there” didn’t I ? 🌈 😉