Returning to Dust

We've been having a sandstorm for the past few days and from the weather report it looks as though it will last through tomorrow. Everything in my house is coated with a fine layer of sand, or a thick layer of dust, depending on how you look at it! But I haven't got time these days.

Last week my husband's aunt had a stroke. It was her third one. I visited her in hospital before she had the actual stroke (or maybe while it was happening) and shortly after I left the hospital she went into a coma and was put in intensive care. She stayed that way for a few days before finally passing away.

I went to the funeral and assisted while she was being washed and prepared for burial. The woman who was supervising was old and well experienced. She was kind and patient, and made the whole process comfortable and at the same time dignified. It was a relief to see Amti at peace.

Now we'll get down to the business of the funeral.. the part I hate... the gossip-fest... sigh.. made just that much worse because of the miserable weather. If you sit inside it's stuffy, hot and crowded with smells that are indescribable. If you sit in the tent outside you are pelted with sand and have to listen to the tent poles creaking in the wind, the whole time wondering if it might fall down. Either place you sit you are surrounded by women who are happily gossiping the hours away.