The palliative team arrived early in the morning as they had done for the past few weeks.
Margie met them at the door. Together they entered Eddie’s room.
“He’s sleeping,” one commented.
Suddenly, Margie knew. “I think God has taken him,” she whispered.
At once, the team checked heart and pulse beats. “He’s gone,” one whispered.
Minutes later, Margie and Tony hand in hand stood by Eddie’s bed as the parish priest prayed the prayers of the dying and gave Eddie the last blessing.
Kate and Shane arrived shortly after. Together the family shared memories. Prayers and memories tumbled out together. Extended families arrived during the morning.
Eddie had expressed his wishes for his last journey. Now the family endeavoured to put them in place.