Journal of Sacred Work

Days 129-133 – May 5, 2018

  Flowers for john's card  May 5 dawned with high hopes. Cinco de Mayo celebrations would spread across North America. Louisville would fulfill its annual hosting of horse racing's biggest competition.

   The marque sporting event in Nashville would feature an NHL battle between our Predators & the Winnipeg Jets.  

    Also, my first photography show in 36 years would open at the celebrated Dane Carder Studio. 

   My family had been expecting a different kind of event for months. But, when the phone call came at 7:10 a.m. it carried news no one can schedule.

   My mom's final moments passed softly. As my younger sister stood by her side reciting the names of loved ones mom sighed & slipped away.

   Yes, just a sigh, not a cinematic gasp. She always hated melodrama. 

   David Whyte writes that "Heartbreak…is the natural outcome of caring for people…of holding in our affections those who inevitably move beyond our line of sight…."

   He says that, "We use the word "heartbreak" as if it only occurs when things have gone wrong…But heartbreak may be the very essence of being human…" 

    Heartbreak is so certain that Whyte thinks we might as well befriend her as a teaching companion even when her hand clinches into a fist.  

   Mom never wanted to cause anyone heartbreak – not even her college suitor who knelt to beg, unsuccessfully, for her hand in marriage. So she tried to soften our inevitable heartbreak with a gentle ending. 

   She left life like an elegant guest – quietly slipping out the side door, her pink gown flowing, the scent of her beloved gardenias perfuming her wake. And the very sweetness of her departure broke my heart. 

 -Erie Chapman

Photograph by Erie

   

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14 responses to “Days 129-133 – May 5, 2018”

  1. Tina OBrien Avatar
    Tina OBrien

    Thank you for putting this into words…. 😢
    I am reminded of this chant:
    We all come from God
    And unto God we shall return
    Like a ray of light
    Retuning to the Sun
    Like a river flows
    Into the ocean…

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  2. Don Tootle Avatar
    Don Tootle

    May God comfort you at this most difficult time. Sincere sympathy

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  3. Debbie Mewhort Keller Avatar
    Debbie Mewhort Keller

    Thanks for this wonderful sharing worthy of your amazing mother. Condolences are on your loss. Such a beautiful soul that will be missed.

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  4. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Your expression is heartbreakingly beautiful and my heart aches with you.
    Whyte’s comment that “We use the word “heartbreak” as if it only occurs when things have gone wrong…yet heartbreak may be the very essence of being human… and “to befriend her” is very meaningful. This instructive wisdom reminds us that grieving honors the depth of our love and as companion is welcomed with reverence, gently, kindly and lovingly, allowing time for its unfolding.
    Deepest condolences, Erie as I keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

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  5. Erie Chapman Foundation Avatar
    Erie Chapman Foundation

    Thank you, Liz. You have such a deep understanding and your sensitivity. Your hard “soul work” enables you to see and experience life at such richer levels and to express your thoughts so well. I am so glad for your kindnesses.

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  6. Karen Clark Avatar
    Karen Clark

    God blessed you and your family with a beautiful Mother. Your words are so beautifully stated. Her passing brings tears, but now she enjoys her eternal life.
    My deepest sympathy Erie. Karen Clark

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  7. Todd Meador Avatar
    Todd Meador

    I wish I could have met her and your father. You were lucky to have such beautiful parents.
    This particularly moved me:
    “She left life like an elegant guest – quietly slipping out the side door, her pink gown flowing, the scent of her beloved gardenias perfuming her wake. And the very sweetness of her departure broke my heart.”

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  8. sbeng Avatar
    sbeng

    Condolences to you and your family Erie. Your mother was such a precious woman. The Lord had granted her length of days on this earth. Now eternally she is home to be with our loving Lord.

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  9. Maureen McDermott Avatar
    Maureen McDermott

    Erie, a beautiful, gentle, faith filled woman who ushered you into life has now been ushered into Life Eternal. Thank you for sharing your words of love, respect and gratitude. May you feel her loving presence as you begin to live with the reality of her physical death.

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  10. Diana Gallaher Avatar
    Diana Gallaher

    Your mother lived for others, Erie. My heart goes out to you. Love and more love, dear one. Diana

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  11. Marjie Avatar
    Marjie

    I’m so sorry Erie. 😢. My mom would speak fondly of her how she really LIVED life. Loosing our mothers is tough and we never stop missing them, but it is nice to know how spectacular they lived. Sending hugs and sending up prayers for you and your family.

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  12. marily Avatar
    marily

    the beautiful thoughts you’ve shared is all I have in knowing how blessed you are and everyone Mom has touched us all. I thank God for the gift she has brought to our lives…as she’s back home…we rest to feel assured of her continued sparks into our hearts…especially in yours Erie.

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  13. jan willen Avatar
    jan willen

    Chip, the grace of your mom’s passing and your words have moved me deeply. What a beautiful lady. What a legacy she has left. So happy you shared it with us. We have all learned so much from her and you. Deepest condolences.

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  14. Jolyon Avatar
    Jolyon

    Erie has written about the synchronicity of events unknown until they are unfurled. With his post showing his mother waving my first thought was she was waving goodbye to us all. With the next reflective post Terry has given us a picture of the ‘Endurance’ team waving out an ‘All’s Well’ that looked to me a greeting of warmth and love to embrace Molly in her journey home.
    The week before Liz had written ‘Full Circle’ with “Your heart and my heart are very, very old friends.” The ebb and flow of unconnected connectiveness. Words can tell a story but they also paint an illustrated life. From Molly we got her journalistic approach and Family of Care which she imbued into you and from you, to us. The Journal (Journey) of Sacred Care started 105 years ago…

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