Monday, November 3, 2014

Saint



My grandma passed away comfortably, peacefully, and surrounded by her children yesterday. Too many things had gone wrong--every time doctors tried to fix one thing, another major organ would fail. It was time.

How fitting she should go on the celebration of All Saints Day. I sang in a breathtaking Lux Aeterna from Rutter's Requiem yesterday, and, somehow, a bird got into the cathedral and was flying around throughout the service, perching on rafters and hopping around.

I'm not a huge believer in "signs"--it was a bird, caught inside. But, somehow...I don't know.

God is a mystery.

14 comments:

  1. Autumn,
    So sorry for your lost. When I lost my sweet grandmother, it seemed the whole world just stopped. I miss her every single day. My thoughts are with you.
    Meredith

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    1. Thank you Meredith--I know we will see them again!

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  2. Huggs Autumn. Sorry to hear about that. Death is never easy no matter the age nor the circumstances, but hardest on those left behind.

    Personally, I am a believer in signs because if we slow down we realize that these seemingly random things are meant to make us take note. Collectively, All Saints Day, you singing, a bird inside the cathedral - doesn't seem so random.

    Best,
    Enzo



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    1. Thanks, Enzo. I agree that, collectively, it does seem very coincidental. I suppose I believe in signs, but I think they are often meant for more than one person. Maybe many in the congregation needed a bird that day :)

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  3. I'm sorry for your loss. My grandparents died many years ago - I'm sure I felt them go in my heart even though I was miles away.
    Rutter's Requiem is beautiful - sometimes music can say more than words.
    hugs
    DF

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    1. Thank you so much DF. I think music *always* says more than words, but I'm a singer ;) I'm so glad I went to visit my grandma when she was in the hospital. I was able to sing at her bedside, and I know she enjoyed it more than she could say.

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  4. You are lucky to have had a grandmother until you were an adult and I know you must miss her. I'm glad the bird was there, I bet it made you smile.

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    1. I do feel blessed, and I know that I will see her again, along with my grandfathers, who I didn't get to know as well.

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  5. Autumn, I am so sorry for your loss. Your grandma must have been special, what you wrote about her reminded me a lot of my own (favourite) grandma who died when I was 16. I miss her a lot to this day.
    Your grandmother definitely holds a very special place in your heart and I am sure she will always be with you, too. I really feel for you and hope so much that you can find comfort in the knowledge that she was surrounded by her loved ones.

    lots of hugs

    Nina

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    1. Thanks, Nina. I do feel that she is with me now, and I am so happy that she did not die alone in the hospital. I know I will see her again someday.

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  6. Autumn,
    I'm so sorry that you lost your grandmother, but I'm very glad that it was peaceful. Blessings to you in this difficult time.

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  7. Autumn,
    I'm so sorry for your loss. How nice to be able to honor your grandmother by singing at her service.
    Hugs

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    1. We are having the service this weekend, and I'm going to sing her favorite psalm. I was also able to sing at her bedside in the hospital before she died--it's the best way I know of honoring those I love :)

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