The closeness of birth and death

Having given birth to three healthy boys and awaited the births of several of my friends' children, I know what it is like to be caught up in the anticipation of new life. To know that the time is near, but to not know exactly what is going on minute by minute. To understand that the wait may be long and arduous or it may be fast and calm, even peaceful. To realize that no matter what, patience and a bit of anxiety will be involved. To ultimately understand that we have no control over such matters and that its truly, entirely up to God.

And now I'm learning just how similar these births are to dying.

My Grandfather, Pop Pop, is almost 94 and in September was diagnosed with liver cancer. We were told that it was slow growing and that his heart would give him more trouble than the tumor ever would. Turns out that while it may have been slow growing initially, it wasn't now. In the end of October we were told he would have a few months at best. Plans were made for family visits and a series of long goodbyes started taking place.

I struggled with my options of one last visit (he lives several states away from me), but that's another post for another time.

But now as he has declined steadily and seriously in the last few days, I'm gaining tender insight into the care of a dying person. I'm not there with him, so what I know is being relayed by my mom and other relatives who are at his bedside. But I see how close the life cycle is intertwined.

As a family we are filled with anxious anticipation. We know the phone call will come soon, but we don't know what's going on minute by minute. We know that there is a 24 hour vigil at his bedside and that there are moments of difficulty and tender, peaceful ones as well. We are patient, we are scared, we are accepting. We know he is going to a better place where he can be with the love of his life who passed away several years ago. And ultimately, just as with awaiting a birth, we know that we have no control over such matters and that its truly, entirely up to God.

Birth, Life, Death.