Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Once again

This morning when I got up (at nine, I must admit) it was 15 degrees, but things are supposed to change and get warmer as the day goes along. It has been a cold Nebraska winter, at least for me. I have lived in Nebraska for five years and this is the coldest winter I have experienced. Being from Maine I am used to cold weather, but somehow when it is cold it feels colder here in the Midwest. Maybe it is the wind or not as many trees to shelter and surround.

I think a lot about blogging, but I never seem to get to the computer and actually do it. I have been trying to keep a journal and exercise - New Year's resolutions and have done quite well so far.

I have a few blogs I read everyday. Just recently I started reading a blog about a family who has taken in a family member who is dying of cancer. It is getting close to the end. I admire how that family is dealing with it and the eloquence in which the writer shares that journey. This morning I read her post and there was a video of a group of Buddist priests who came to the house to chant and pray with Judi, the person who is dying. The internet allows such sharing and I found it moving. I was struck by how different it was than if it was a Christian lying there - but then again, how the same. We all come together to be with our loved ones - we keep vigil, we acknowledge, we mourn - even before the actual dying takes place.

I have been following this blog and feel like I know the family (a little) and I have seen pictures of Judi over the last few months. At the end of the video the person who put it together put up a picture of Judi when she was well. And, with the praying in the background I looked at the healthy Judi - the vital woman she was before becoming ill. I hope in some small way I honor her by being a witness.