Barbara's Excellent Adventure April 23, 2011

From Van

This phase of Barbara’s Excellent Adventure came to an end just after midnight, a few minutes into Saturday, April 23, 2011. She died peacefully, surrounded by me, her three children, (Dr.) Angie Chen, Laurel Leone, and Jeff Sawastuk. As the end approached, we sat in vigil in the candle-lit living room, scented with fragrance of mock orange from the garden and with some of her favorite music softly playing. Her sister Portia arrived shortly after her passing.

During the final weeks of her illness, Barbara became more and more purely what she most was: a being of wonder, affirmation, gratitude, and love.

A memorial celebration of Barbara’s life is being planned for a future date. When available, information will be posted here. Her ashes will be interred in the family cemetery plot in Austin, Minnesota, where in due course I will join her.

Update from Van for Monday 4/18/11

Again time has passed, the days slipping by insensibly, poignantly. Slow, noticeable physical weakening; spirit as sweet as ever but wandering further afield. Jeff, the creator of our garden, is here now for a couple of weeks of work and companionship.

Update from Van for Thursday 4/7/11

It has been some days since the last entry. As you may have inferred, Barbara remains much as before--comfortable almost all the time, perhaps a little weaker, but still quite present and engaged when she's awake. Her spirit continues to astonish those around her: no shred of self-pity, no complaining, still experiencing what wants to happen. As Kenny Hall put it, "Barbara has her house in order." This is the most deeply felt experience of my life by far.

2 beautiful photos of Barbara from the weekend

Reading The Book of Common Prayer on Saturday.

Having a visit with her beloved Loden on Thursday,

"that sunny warm day with the windows wide open

and the spring aromas wafting in..." (Angie)