The One Book Every Home Should Have on Hand
Knowing what to expect when a loved one is dying is an essential step toward acceptance
“Mrs. Rapp was here today.”
As my mother-in-law, Helen lingered in the place between life and death; she began to experience extraordinary visions. Sometimes it was a visit from someone in her past, in this case, a long-dead former neighbor.
From previous conversations, I knew that Mrs. Rapp was a kind woman who lived next door to Helen when she was little. This neighbor allowed neighborhood children to raid her garden when they were hungry. (It was during the Depression in a poor part of St. Louis, so this must have been a frequent occurrence.)
Helen had been a battered child, so any kindness shown her made a big impression. Now, at the end of her life, Mrs. Rapp was back to offer comfort and compassion.
Other times, Helen saw what she called “The Wooden People.” She said they were smaller than regular people, faceless, and resembled the poseable models artists sometimes use when drawing human forms. However, she told me they didn’t scare her. Instead, she had the impression they were trying to tell her something; what it was, she didn’t know.
