Day 1313

Gus was a guest at Norbella this morning for a special concert. Son Jimmy had booked a musical group to surprise his girlfriend for her birthday. Being one of her favorite duos, they began with a private moment of “Happy Birthday” and then began there selection of hits from the 70s and 80s. A few residents were curious, so Gus helped them join the party. Staff brought the rest soon afterwards. EVERYONE had such a joyous time. Jimmy brightened the world this morning…

At one point, the chosen song was “I’ll Fly Away.” Feeling one of those “heart tugs,” Gus and I raced down to one of our favorites who is in hospice care. Entering the room, I soon realized her little form was tucked into bed instead of her usual perch in her recliner. The music followed us into the room as we approached the bed. As I said her name softly, she tried to open her eyes. Somehow, Gus knew this might just be our goodbye , so he placed his head beside her and I simply sang the song to our sweet friend…

“Some bright morning when this life is over

I’ll fly away.

To that home on God’s celestial shore

I’ll fly away”…

After the song was over, I told her what she has meant to me and that I loved her dearly. Giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead, she softly told me she loved me too. She will be missed, but her life lessons will live on.

Heading back to the party, I realized that as our friend struggled with passing, life goes on with joyous laughter and song in the next room…as it should.

Gus and I worked a little harder to bring that joy to the gathering…our friend would approve.