Living With Dying
Inspired by Doug’s Last Few Months with Family & Friends”
Woodlands of Sunset, October 29, 2011
By David Smith
Taken from DVD “Interview with Douglas Aikman”
Thanks to Woodlands Palliative Care Committee for organizing & hosting today’s workshop
His voice was quiet and frail
And His loving wife filled in the blanks; and let conversation sail.
She talked of pain being intense;
And he went into detail, how his symptoms were immense.
Writing out a biography of things of the past
Ways to make his memory last.
Reviewing life, and answers to goals; Review the past, forgiveness we are told.
Need to forgive to be forgiven; Changing goals to continue living.
Rocks represented hurts of his past; Throwing away, so peace would last.
Focus more on living than dying; Writing out funereal service to continue relying.
People represent different parts of life; Fire fighters and police, justify might.
Celebration of life so important we hear; Different groups held him so dear.
The symbols of life are clearly seen; The funereal service now a has been.
Going through pictures, reviewing and seeing; Going through regrets for better well being.
Learning to live in a mystery of God; Treasures of life, the friends we applaud.
Focus on the future, trust in moving ahead; And being looked after, faith in its stead
Not easy to trust; what you cannot see; That is faith, a definition for me.
Louise and Doug work as a team; Sharing a story, hope is seen.
Carrying it on, is where we fit in; Pass on the wealth, the riches from within.
“How can you see your last day?” She asked; With family around the home at last
To respect others, a good listener we hear; Non judgemental, know one another without fear.
His voice was quiet and frail; And every word, new meaning set sail.
Thanks David – you are a good listener & very creative to be able to summarize so well. I am honored to call you a friend. – Louise