Memories of the Past

I read this day of Patrica's reminiscences
Of explanations of death and the customs
according to where and when one lives
She like me had this explained to her long ago
as I did by my Mother in the same way.
It was something that stayed with me

I was told that in times long gone, death was part
of living
and as we had looked after one another in life
we did the same in death.
Those in the family most often the women, took over the laying out of the person
In readiness for the service and celebration of the life of the deceased.
Perhaps when I look back it may have been from necessity
Times were hard,money was short ,professional services cost money
Money that was needed to feed their families,pay the rent etc.

My Maternal Grandmother whom I never met,dying before I was born
was one such family member.
She not only cared in the dying process for her family
but other neighbours as well
Some found this task too difficult,
or if it was a Mother and Child at the same time more so
for the grieving Father.
Thus Sophia was the one to call on

I took this on board,when my own Mother talked of my Fathers
imminent death from Mesothelioma
I said I will do it for him ,I will do the preparations when the time comes.she did not ask me I offered,she did not seem surprised and in December 1976 a new experience in my life happened
I have said often to others, perhaps it is easier if it is not not one close to you or it can be seen as a priveledge if it is.
Who else would know a parent more than a child of that parent.

So as I sit here remembering both my Mother and Father,
how I prepared them after death, and some time later
sprinkled their ashes underneath the old lemon tree
in the back yard where they had spent so many happy years
I know that they and I are together in spirit,and the
memories are strong,some bad ones as well as many many happy ones.

Coming back to this home I call mine
hastens me to repeat what I say over and over
MY Lemuria....is
my North, my South, my East, my West
It is where I belong.
I seek no distant visions
it is all on my doorstep
I am blessed.

Lois (Muse of the Sea) 1.5.06