vigil

I promised my friend Nina I would not let her die alone. And so I wait with her, for her.

Today, someone in the nursing home (not a staff member) said, "She doesn't know you're here. You should go home."

"But I know I'm here," I said. I told Nina I would be here–there weren't conditions attached to that. Not if it was convenient or if she knew I was here or if I was well-rested, no. I told her I would be here. And so I am here.

The nurse told me last night that Nina was "actively dying."

"Aren't we all?" I asked.

Aren't we all.

May Nina soon rest beautifully, exuberantly, peacefully, amazingly, mischievously in peace.

[photograph taken with Nina's permission]

Sandy

You are a wonderful person and friend for being with her and not letting her be alone.
http://www.wildrumpusing.blogspot.com Jean

You are giving the greatest human gift anyone can give. Bless you for keeping your promise.

I hold you both in my heart.
Leila E. Miranda-Lavertu

What a gift to have your reassuring presence at her side!

I wonder if other people out there with compassionate hearts like yours know about the No One Dies Alone (NODA) volunteer companion program? They can share that loving presence and peaceful energy with someone at the end of their life’s journey.

http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/Kindness-of-Strangers-How-One-Nurse-Made-Sure-No-One-Dies-Alone/2
http://www.pinecreekcottage.blogspot.com Marcy

How lucky, and blessed, Nina is to have you at her side. (I wouldn’t want to leave either!)

Thank you for your devotion, to Nina, to us, and to a meaningful life.
http://alifeprofound.wordpress.com Cynthia

Grace and Peace, Patti … to you and to Nina.
http://motherrising.blogspot.com wendy

bless you, patti & nina, for this moment, these words, this photo, through which we are all holding vigil in our hearts.
http://smallsteps2giantleaps.blogspot.com Peggy

Patti: You and Nina are in my thoughts and prayers. Such a strong thing to do for your friend!
Is it possible to hug someone just by thoughts? If so, I hugged you today.
ramblin rose

i love you patti. i want to cry, for the sadness and loss, compassion, caring, priorities you have, love, and connection and promises. she knows u r there. i promise you that. she knows. she will always know and you will always know. love, amy
Cindy Bock

Patti Digh you have to be one of the most beautiful people I have ever met. I love that you LOVE!

sending white light and much love to you and Nina.
gwyn

Chills Patti! Seriously. I sat with my Mother while she was “actively dying”. The last photos I took of her were of her hands. On some level she does know, and that matters.XXOO
http://bethkujawski.blogspot.com Beth

Oh my. I gasped when I read what that “someone” told you, about going home.

How callous!

I know I will want someone there with me, whenever that day comes.

Thank you for being there for Nina.

Love and peace to you both.
Ellen

You are a wonderful friend. What a blessing for both of you to be together.
Jan

What a beautiful and loving act. She knows you are there, and she knows she won’t die alone. What a gift to have someone with you when you leave this world and enter another. Bless you both
http://www.mrsmediocrity.com kelly

Yes, aren’t we all. Will keep you, and Nina, in my thoughts.
http://littlegypsyblog.blogspot.com/ tracy scott

patti~ you are doing one of the most difficult and most beautiful things humans can do for one another. you are an angel.
Carolyn Meyers

What an awesome friend you are to Nina, Patti. She DOES know you are there. Your actions never cease to amaze me, girl!!
http://nikisfragments.blogspot.com Niki

What an honor to be there when someone dies. Some might think that they are fulfilling a promise or an obligation when they sit with someone who is dying. Actually, they are receiving a gift. A gift like no other. Earlier this year, I sat with my mother when she was dying. She was there for my first breath and I was there for her last.
http://profile.typepad.com/mcmedia McMedia

I wish everyone could have a friend like you Patti. Truly extraordinary. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Because of you, Nina’s memory shall be eternal.
http://furrydancecats.blogspot.com Teri and the cats of Furrydance

…your post says so much about what is really important in this life. Giving and therefore receiving so much in return. I had not heard of NODA and have bookmarked the site…

vigil

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