Michelle (Basic) Hendry - Fine Artist & Author

Artist and Author - Landscapes and Ruins

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Waiting…

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The blog has been quiet this week and I thought I might share why.

My Grandfather is gravely ill and there is no longer anything that can be done but to make him comfortable. The doctors give him not more than 10 days.

We have gathered, said our goodbyes and now, the family waits….. torn between the hope for a quick end to his pain and the desire to put off the loss as long as possible. It is a 120 mile drive to the hospital and I expect I have held his hand for the last time. My heart breaks….

My Grandfather is my friend. I cherish the special connection we have.

There is a traditional Irish tune that I first heard played by Matt Molloy called “The Parting of Friends” (Scarúint Na Gcompánach). It is a mournful flute that plays alone and when the last note fades, there is a sense of emptiness in the silence. Many years ago, while sitting by candlelight, I wrote a few lines that the music inspired:

I play for you the parting of friends

Alone in your pale light

I write ’til none is left

‘Til we meet again….

The last note is soon to come and the candle is about to go out. I may be away from the blog for a little while…

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  2. Dear Michelle

    Words are useless at a time like this but I hope this bit of Irish wisdom helps a little:

    May the blessings of light be upon you,
    Light without and light within.
    And in all your comings and goings,
    May you ever have a kindly greeting
    From them you meet along the road.

  4. So sorry to hear of your troubles. Death is so final. Parting is so hard to do. How old was your grandfather? If he was suffering it would be selfish to not let him go. It sounds like you had a wonderful relationship with him. How sweet memories are as our loved ones live on in our hearts. Families who do not have that close connection always seem to regret, when it is too late, that they didn’t do more to foster happy loving memories. My heart is with you.

  7. I’m so sorry, hon. I know what it’s like. *hugs* My thoughts are with you & yours. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do.

  10. So heartfelt…it is hard to let a wonderful friend go regardless of how old or how sick!!!

    My thoughts are with you and yours Michelle…
    Heather

  12. Our hearts spun
    from threads Divine
    entwine you in me
    and we into eternity.

    Blessings and comfort to you and your family.