Saturday, October 10, 2009

Wishing on a Star

My dear friend Barbara Robinette Moss died about 10:15 last night, surrounded by her loving and faithful husband, her son, a brother and several friends. Each of us held an arm or a foot and prayed as she slipped away.

I've never known anyone with a stronger life force or more curiosity about the world. When she was still in a regular room, Barb could see a little house hugging the top of the hill outside her window. Going to see that little house up close was near the top of the list of things she wanted to when she got out of the hospital.

I pretty much collapsed on the sofa when I got home and woke this morning, still in my clothes. 6:26 am, dark. One enormous star shined, perfectly centered in the big windows at the end of the living room. I've never seen a star so big or so bright. It rose in the sky, moving higher and higher in the windows.

The darkness seemed to flash and I could see into its depths—millions of pinpricks of light stretching into infinity. Barb's voice filled the room, her Alabama drawl like poured silk. "Don't worry. I've gone on ahead. You can't imagine how beautiful it is here."

I blinked hard. The pinpricks disappeared, but the single star remained, dimming as the sky brightened.

When the star faded completely, I drove to the hill beyond the hospital. Turns out that tiny house is really a mansion: What we could see was the smallest part.

10 comments:

Deb Shucka said...

My skin is alive with goosebumps, my eyes full of tears, my heart overflowing with gratitude that you heard Barb's voice. A mansion with many rooms indeed. May this comfort bring you peace in the days ahead. Love.

Go Mama said...

Wow. That's some message to leave behind. What a blessing. Both to have known her and to have witnessed/assisted her transition....

Love to you as the days unfold...and now, REST.

luckyzmom said...

My heart is with you.

fullsoulahead.com said...

I totally "get" why she would want you there for her sacred moment of transition.

Love & stars.

Amen.

Carrie Wilson Link said...

Ditto, Deb. COL, Jerri.

Love and prayers for all.

BONNIE K said...

I am so sorry for your loss. And I do believe those who have passed on speak to us in some way.

cheryl said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

mamatulip said...

Oh, love. My heart is with you.

George said...

She does go on ... ahead

Jess said...

Oh no, I am so so sorry to hear this. I will be thinking of you, and of Barb. Much much love.