This post is shared in memory of Susan Aharona Shackman (1976-2025)
This is a guitar version of the last song I sang to a dear friend almost exactly one year ago, on the day that she died. It’s called “Pachamama, I’m Coming Home” and is a song that is often sung at Rainbow Gatherings, which was a culture and community that was very dear to Susie. (Full lyrics included at the end of this post)
About a year ago I had the uncomfortable blessing of being there for the last two days of my dear friend Susie’s life. By the time I saw her in person, she was no longer awake and/or communicating with words. In that setting, the division between healing and curing became stark.
For her, there was no chance of a cure (cessation of symptoms), but I was able to join the family, friends, and hospital staff that were with her during those last days, suporting her as she found healing (whole-ing) so that she could let go in peace.
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