![]() Without going into lengthy detail, I will share that there have been times. It would be nice to paint you a picture of only the "pleasant" parts of this process, but I believe that diminishes both Marlin and his journey, as well as the value his living it holds for all of us. He is still with us, but his body is rapidly shutting down - his need for it decreasing as his spirit spreads its wings beyond this life. Those were his last awake/lucid times, aside from a few times of opening his eyes and seeming to be aware of those around him, in one particular and precious instance his daughter Caitlin. He had good visits with friends and family. He wanted to sit in the living room for a bit, which he did - a place of much joy and laughter and play with the kids. He was sitting there when his parents, Becky and Leonard, arrived to spend time with him. He wanted to be outside once again, to breathe fresh (albeit humid) air and feel the sun on his face. He was lucid during much of the afternoon and actually asked to be moved about in a wheelchair for a little while, which was lovingly and carefully accommodated by those present at the time (thank you!). Written as Marlin was leaving (though I did not know it at the time.) I will write again later today or in the morning. (And if you sense a bit of playful splashing in your imagining of the floating, I'm guessing that will be Marlin in his joy of laughter letting us know that he's alive and well where he is.) May he float on now in such peace, and may we all be the sunlight and warm water supporting and rippling love and light for Marlin's family and for one another. It was a vision of floating on sun-sparkled warm water - free and easy, arms outstretched, body and soul at peace, trusting, free and open, breathing easy, a gentle smile. It was a beautiful vision, and I offer it for all of us grieving our loss of Marlin - both as an image to support Marlin's journey and a vision of comfort for Caitlin, Christopher, and Catherine. While there was no way to accomplish that physically in that moment, a vision of that was invoked and seemed to bring him some calm. She trusted her intuition and asked if he wanted water so that he could float, and he gave clear affirmation that that was what he was seeking - to be free of the weight and discomfort, to float on calm waters and find ease. While first thoughts were of his wanting, perhaps, to be sponged off, Catherine had an insight that that's not what he wanted. On Saturday afternoon, Marlin was agitated and pushed his covers back, wanting his shirt unbuttoned and saying something about water on his body. I know that you are already doing this without my asking - please hold them all in the loving arms of your hearts. In the days to come, his absence will be felt even more than it is now. Catherine is being her strong self and grieving. The memorial service will be at Nacoochee Presbyterian Church, and I will let you know as soon as I do what day and time that will be.Ĭhristopher is grieving but doing ok. Marlin will be laid out at home for several hours today, and then his wish to be cremated will be carried out. Catherine is surrounded by family, and friends are welcome to come by the house. ![]() As I was writing the letter below, I received the call from Catherine.
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