Late Autumn 2011, In memory of Mutti

Erika Huising came here to meetingbrook. Saskia's mother spent her final two weeks here. She came here, as well as to live, to die. After being with her for 8 weeks in Southwick, arranging medical care here in Maine, Saskia began the migration to Camden with attentive care. For two weeks Erika was able to be with us in "Mutti's Room" so beautifully renovated by Mr. Murphy for her.

The hermitage community was extraordinary as was the Pen Bay Hospital doctors, nurses and cna folk for the weekend spent there. Back at meetingbrook, home health was begun, as was hospice. The rally to service was quick and comforting. The last few days were attended by daughters Saskia and Heidi, granddaughter Natasha, a visit from son Jurgen, and the wide and faithful community that graces meetingbrook.

At last breath Saskia and I were at bedside. The mystery completed itself at 2AM, 10Nov2011. Two hours later five women bathed and clothed her in (what was to be, and was) her Thanksgiving attire. She lay in state in front room for two days attended by silence, meditation, grief, prayer, loving people, vigilant dogs, flowers, candles, and the gratitude of all for her life with us.

As Buddhists chanted the Heart Sutra (unbeknownst) in Merton Retreat Saturday morning, four of us carried her body to waiting casket outside Wohnkuche glass doors. The 'green' casket made by Maine woodsman was bedded by wood shavings under silk covered pillow. We placed her in the casket on the wood shavings. Those at meditation came to assist the transport of casket to hearse for drive to New Bedford cemetery.

At gravesite we spoke eulogy with carrying help of brisk wind, antiphonally spoke blessing "In Praise of Earth" by John O'Donohue, then read blessing intended by Erika for the assembled as worded by O'Donohue:

A BLESSING

May you awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.
May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.
May you receive great encouragement when new frontiers beckon.
May you respond to the call of your gift and find the courage to follow its path.
May the flame of anger free you from falsity.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame and may anxiety never linger about you.
May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul.
May you take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.
May you be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.
May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.

~ John O'Donohue ~ (Anam Cara)

Cody, her large German Shepherd, takes up residence with us; his huge bark a good camouflage for his gentle nature. Rokpa and he are good companions.

Now, two weeks later, on eve of Thanksgiving Day in the United States, there is a quiet hiatus that follows the passing of a loved one. Life, as they say, goes on.

It is with gratitude we thank Erika Huising for her life among us, the blessings given us, the friends and community giving themselves, and the exquisite Earth for its giving and receiving.

What we know of God is embraced and extended therein.

With love,
Saskia, Bill, Rokpa, and Cody
and all who grace meetingbrook
23November2011
Thanksgiving Eve