[HANASHIR:16286] please say your prayers for my mom

[Ellen Allard <ellen...>]

Dear All,

 

On Monday, I returned home from south Florida. I went down there because
my mother's severe emphysema and heart disease landed her once again in
the hospital and ultimately in a hospice for end-of-life care. I stayed
for nine days while my three sisters and other close family remained in
Florida, so someone is with her every day. When I returned to
Massachusetts, it was suggested that I contact our rabbi and cantor. I
hadn't considered doing that because our clergy had never met my mom,
but when I spoke with our cantor, she said "But we know you and we want
to help you through this." This was enormously comforting, after nine
days of watching her lose her hold on life. The doctors assure us it
won't be long before she passes, as she is deteriorating each day. We
only pray that she passes peacefully and without pain. 

 

I know that recently there was some discussion about the healing prayer,
but I confess I didn't pay close attention and so, I actually don't know
if my request is appropriate or not. But if I may, I ask that you send
your prayers for a speedy healing, that she be able to let go of her
fear of death and leave this life feeling some sense of peace. In
addition to there being absolutely no pain, that is what I hope most for
her now. Her name is Miriam Bornstein. Her parents were Sadie and Jacob
Breeskin. These are some photos of Mom and her kids and grandkids. The
pics were taken this past July, after one of her hospital stays.
http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/nana_mimi_place/my_photos

 

She has been a wonderful mother to me, and in some ways, those of you
who know me, know my mother. She was a strong supporter, pushed me to
study music, she loved music and especially all Jewish music. I believe
that she was totally responsible for my pursueing the musical life that
I now lead. Even through her pain and drug-induced stupor, at one point
just a few days ago, she began to tell us about the importance of
family. I asked her, "Mom, what do you want to tell us?". She sang
"Where do I begin?" and then she hummed the rest of the phrase. I think
those are the beginning words to a song from either Love Story or maybe
another movie. At one point, one of her two aides came into the hospital
for a short visit. Florence reminded me that one of mom's favorite songs
is "Are You Listening, G-d?" from our new CD. She told me that she and
my mom sang it quite often. I think Mom especially felt something
special about that song. She used to tell me that she talked to G-d a
lot and asked if he/she listened to her. Florence, who I believe is a
Baptist woman, and I, stood by my mother's bedside and sang the entire
song, for her. 

 

Thanks for listening. This has been the most difficult experience I have
ever had. I am grateful for my faith and for knowing that G-d is
listening. And Peter and I (and our family) are grateful for your
thoughts and prayers.

 

Ellen Allard