So it looks like my Grandma is wrapping up her last days here on earth. And while we’ll be sad to see her go, she is 92 and has lived a wonderful life.
Last night we all joined her where she’s been staying at my aunt’s house. One of her favorite things is to have everyone sing for her. So we sat around and we enjoyed each others’ company and we ate and every once in a while someone would start singing an old gospel song or a hymn. And anyone who knew the words would join in. This is one of those times:
I think singing is a great thing to do in the face of death.
I couldn’t think of a more beautiful way to die. Surrounded by your heritage, as they sing songs of comfort … together in harmony. Lord, that my dying would be half as wonderful!
That’s so beautiful shawn. My grandma had a stroke years ago and my Grandpa was unable to care for her at home so she lived at fairmont homes. The staff there would often sing as they were working. I think it was comforting to not only the residents but to the families who visited. The would also encourage everyone who knew the words to sing along. I was amazed a not only how many of the words to those hymns were buried someplace deep in my memory but how my Grandma who had a great deal of memory problems as she neared her last days, could sing along perfectly too.
Wow. Gave me tears. I love your family’s strong sense of family. So awesome. And I agree with Caleb, what a wonderful way to die.
We were singing “Softly and Tenderly” when my grandfather died. It was very moving.
I recently lost my father-in-law. I wrote about it here:
http://wordofawoman.com/2012/10/10/just-me-and-dad/
http://wordofawoman.com/2012/09/24/cancer-family-and-hope/
I think it really helps to share our stories.
Thank you for sharing yours
m
I told my kids we’d play after I found what I nedede. Damnit.
We sang to my grandma a few hours before she died. It was beautiful. When I worked for hospice, I joined several families in singing for their loved one. Such sacred moments, those. Keeping your family close to my heart, Shawn.
I sang “Great is Thy Faithfulness” with my mom just a few days before she died, and during one of the last times where she was conscious. We also watched our favorite movie, The Sound of Music. I will never forget those moments.
Those grand old songs (although I don’t know this one) are locked away, deep in the recesses of our memory and to sing them together – with family and close friends – as a loved one dies? Nothing better, no more opportune time to sing. This is just lovely, Shawn, and a real privilege to see and hear. As a pastor and friend, I’ve sung around the bedside of several loved friends – remarkable experience. And truly beautiful, too.
Priceless! Shawn, my prayers are with you and your family as you say goodby to your grandma for a while.
The fam has been in our prayers this week. She is leaving behind such a great legacy.
The video brought tears to my eyes as I watched and listened to all those beautiful voices singing sweet music to the lady they call Mom, Grandma, Friend. What a wonderful way to honor the matriatch of your loving family. I will never forget her singing with all her children at Anne’s Birthday party a few years ago and how extremely happy she was to be up there on stage with you all. She is a SPECIAL LADY.
I’m praying her passing is/was peaceful. I have never heard of the singing, but it sounds like a beautiful tribute. You and your family are in my prayers, and I pray the sense of unity remains. Our family fell apart when my mother died. She was the center of our family. Maybe we should have sang(figure of speech), I miss those days. Bless you all
May her soul RIP