[Oe List ...] FW: Fred's last breath

[Janice Ulangca]

Dear Nancy, dear Lamphear family, dear Songaia colleages and other friends, dearest Fred,

Just now I looked up again the description of ALS - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.  A journey so daunting that most would not want to think about it, much less take it on.  And yet Fred and Nancy you did it - with such incredible care and depth and dancing - that you are both a heroic sign to me of the glory of life.  I didn't spend a lot of time with you "in person" but Nancy's caring personal e-mails and insightful messages on the list serv allowed me to share your lives.  My tears now are those of great thanksgiving for both of you, and even more amazement at the sign you are. Thank you for sharing Fred's last blog. If Fred, with his limits, was able with your support to rejoice in the universe with such a spirit - then I am beckoned to be more, no matter what life hands me.

Tenderest care from the Mystery for you all at this time of grief and exultant gratitude.

Janice



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Kenneth 
  To: oe at wedgeblade.net 
  Sent: Friday, September 10, 2010 10:34 AM
  Subject: [Oe List ...] FW: Fred's last breath


  Nancy sent this email last night to a group of folks who have been studying The Universe Story with Fred. 

  And here is Fred's last blog entry, posted four days ago: http://elderfred.wordpress.com/2010/09/06/an-amazing-summer/

  Grace & Peace,
  Ken Gillgren





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  From: nancylanphear at gmail.com [mailto:nancylanphear at gmail.com] On Behalf Of Nancy Lanphear
  Sent: Friday, September 10, 2010 2:10 AM
  To: Randy Morris; Edith Kusnic; Kenneth; Jim Clarke; Chuck and Jean Fowler
  Subject: Fred's last breath


  Dear Ones, 

  I am writing this evening not being sure how life will be in the morning.  Fred has spent the last hours with great difficulty in breathing and realizing that his life has taken a dramatic shift.  Knowing that the end of his life was near, he spent all evening (with his bipap mask on to aid his breathing) talking with individual family and community members. The community sang, Fred joined in.  Our family was present with the exception of Noah (in Norway), Ilaria (in Scotland) and Rachel (in Montreal).  Ilaria and Noah were with us through Skype.

  Then about 11:10 our children took Fred to bed.  He did his regular leg exercises, counting as usual to be sure that his care-givers were doing the correct number, then we gave him some pills to help his breathing.  At 11:25, Fred took his last breath and let go of his physical body, it was a very peaceful death.  Fred had finished his work!

  I will miss him terribly.  It has been a long, difficult journey over the last 3 years but Fred has always been faithful to his decision, to accept what life had given him and to live fully within those limits. 

  I know you were planning a study group meeting here tomorrow.  Fred was hoping to be with you.  You are welcome to come by if that works for you.  Otherwise, we will be in touch with you regarding a memorial service at a later date. I hope you know how much you friendship meant to Fred.  Your gatherings were a highlight in his life.  We love you all.

  Nancy




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