Post Fifty-Eight
Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 07:20PM 
STRETCHING OUT THE FINAL CADENCE
Terry's mother, Mary Niles, died this morning at 1:30. She broke her hip ten days ago and was moved to a hospice nursing home eight days ago. She did well at first but her condition worsened rapidly in the past twenty-four hours. I was called to her side last night and stayed with her until the end. This afternoon I went to Independence Village in Petoskey to break the news to Terry's father, Harold. Harold and Mary were married for 69 years.
Mom's death was not unexpected. Her passing was difficult for me at first mostly because it took me back nine months to when we were sitting bedside with Terry. Once I put that aside in my mind I was able to negotiate the night. It was somber, but it was not difficult. I was also deeply moved by the compassion of the hospice nurse as she tended to Mary though out the night.
Who knows what Mary's passing will now trigger in Harold. The news of her death cut right through his dementia. He knew and he understood. He may not have been able to keep the flow of events quite straight, but he understood. He kept repeating, "My wife is gone. My children are gone. My life is getting short." I regret that I could not arrange for him to visit her before she died.
As for me and what lies ahead - I feel like I stand in the final measures of a classical symphony; that part where the composer stretches out the final cadence by repeating a V (five) then I (one) chord progression over and over until the audience demands that the great work be brought to a conclusion. Such a moment comes to every classical symphony no matter how noble or inspiring. Such moments also come in life when one knows deep down that what once was must now be brought to an end. Harold's passing, when it comes, will be the final tonic stop of what has been a wonderful, challenging and surprising family opus. It will be left for me to discover another composition in my life. Perhaps the next opus will be more improvized and jazz like. I doubt that it will be the master work that has been my life with Terry and her family, but it will be con espresivo. Could I be so lucky as to have it be a duet? That waits to be known until the tonic chord of the present opus is played.
Dave Gladstone
Reader Comments (1)
Dear David you have such gifts, singing, preaching, and a wonderful way with words. The problem with the duet is no one is as good on so many levels. Take care friend and keep singing to the glory of God. Hugs to you. Off to 1st Church.