Watching a man say goodbye to his home is heart rendering ......

angiemitchell (72)in #life • 5 years ago (edited)

As I watch my lovely brother-in-law with terminal lung disease slowly get worse I feel very sad as well as immense empathy and love for him. Ivan is showing only calm and peace. He is a quiet private man who has long been following Buddha's teachings. Ivan has not spoken to us about his impending passing over, he just seems to be accepting. Maybe he goes into deep reflection when alone but for us, the family we see him as just Ivan who has always been a positive easy going man. Someone who has never said a bad word about anyone.

Ivan is a single man and because of his failing health he has had to go into care. This means the selling of his house to afford this current living arrangement. The family have rallied around him to give helping hands and one of our jobs is preparing the house for sale. Yesterday was another cleaning day and so in the extreme sticky heat of summer under the gathering storm clouds we were busy. This is what family do, right? Even though Ivan had plans to lend a hand he was not able to and this upset him greatly. He has always been independent but not now.

The strongest emotions Ivan is feeling right now is sadness and regret at selling his home of over 40 years. Letting it all go is part of leaving. Understanding that his possessions are not necessarily going to be wanted by anyone else is a big reality for him right now. And he has a lot things, inside and outside accumulated over the many years.

Ivan always loved his garden and he asked if I wanted some plants and garden ornaments. Would love to was my answer. He was delighted as was I when I took home this gorgeous little boy statue, he weighs a tonne. Now it is sitting in my front yard, a bit of Ivan.