Sacred Flight

Sacred Flight is a group of musicians who provide musical therapy for people who are at the end of their lives. Yesterday, a woman from Sacred Flight came to our home and played her harp. It was an incredible experience for me...as mom's main caregiver and as her daughter.
Last night, I was trying to pinpoint exactly what it was about that experience that moved me so much...and I think I figured it out. First, let me set the scene...
For the last several weeks, we have been in "Wedding Mode" here in our house. (My oldest daughter got married last weekend.) Because I have been so busy taking care of mom, I really wasn't very helpful to my daughter, in the wedding planning stage, up until a couple of weeks ago. As the day grew closer, I got busier. My sister came out a few days beforehand (with one of her daughters and her boyfriend) to help with the last minute details...such as flowers, food, cakes, set-up, clean-up etc. There was a lot going on in a short amount of time.
Two days ago, things had calmed down...and I thought we would get back into our "normal" routine. And then the hospice nurse called. She told me of this program called Sacred Flight. I had read an article about them in the newspaper and thought it sounded lovely. A Japanese news team had also heard of them and wanted to do a story about them. They needed a couple of hospice families to allow them in their homes, so they could share in the experience. I thought it sounded like a wonderful idea and agreed to have them come by. Yesterday, they did. The harpist, a photographer and two reporters pulled up in front of our house at one o'clock.
Yesterday was our usual day for our hospice nurse and our bath aide visit...so they were both there. Jeff's boss didn't have any work for him...so he was home. Amy's flight wasn't until later...so she was there too. A representative for Providence hospital was there...who also happens to be our respite volunteer! And of course, mom and I were there. It was the first time that all of mom's usual caregivers were all in the same room at the same time. That in itself, was pretty special.
The harpist held mom's hand, felt her pulse, listened to her breathing...and then sat down to play. The music was simple...and lovely. Very calming. I sat with mom, sometimes holding her hand, sometimes rubbing her back and shoulders, sometimes just touching her arm. Periodically, I would look around the room...catching the eye of my husband or one of mom's caregivers. With a smile and I sigh I turned my attention back to my mom...or the harpist. It was such a tremendous experience for me. To be together with all of these people who have been a major support system to me over the last couple of years...and for all of us to just be still, together. To stop for a few moments in our busy lives...and just be together. It was very powerful.
Mom sat quietly, listening...until the harpist began singing softly as she played. Mom joined right in...using her own words and sounds. It was lovely. Then mom began talking a little. "Hear our prayer. Our prayer. Our prayer."
Caregiving is exhausting work. Constantly, I have energy flowing out. Naps help relieve the tiredness...but they don't fill me back up. The visit from Sacred Flight yesterday...did the trick. My heart was filled with love and gratitude. I feel ready for whatever the next step in this journey is.
I thank God for life, music, prayer, song, family and friends. I am truly blessed.