Benediction – For Jackie

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On Friday, November 24th, 2023 our beloved sister, wife, stepmother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, great aunt, cousin, friend and beautiful human being, Jackie Trafford took her last breath at 1:46am. In her final hours she was surrounded by her koving husband Jim and family. As her heart stopped its fierce beat, I rested my hand lightly on her forehead and whispered words of love and encouragement for her journey, And when her last inhale is taken, I wait for the next, but none comes. I do not want to take my hand away. I want to hold onto that touch forever. She was there the day I was born, and I was there the day she left this world. I do not want to let go but know I must.

Our hearts are heavy but we know she is dancing pain free with mom and dad, our brother George and his wife Roz and all our relatives who crossed over before us. She fought hard but the infecction that invaded her body after surgery for a ruptured bowel stole her life away.

Much gratitude for the prayers and words of encouragement and especially, the Love. 

BENEDICTION - for Jackie
by Louise Gallagher

And when the last breath is taken, 
and the heart has beaten its final tattoo, 
we stand in silent communion 
wondering why, how can this be? 

That the one who once laughed and sang slightly off-key, 
and sipped a scotch with joyful anticipation, 
and prepared delectable meals with endless love and grace, 
How can the final breath be taken? 
How can her heart, so strong and fiercely loving, 
now be still?

There are no answers in death, 
only the silence, 
stretching endlessly into the vast unknown of the beyond, 
beyond the breath, 
beyond the heartbeats, 
beyond the off-key notes and the savoured sip of scotch, 
and the oven that no longer chimes to let her know 
the meal she so thoughtfully prepared is ready to be placed upon the table, 
set with sparkling crystal and flickering candlelight, 
to welcome the guests she has gathered, to let them know, 
through every act of kindness that she poured 
into every morsel she served, 
"I love you."

And when the last breath is taken, 
and the heart has beaten its final rhythm, 
we stand in silent communion 
with the silence and the comfort of knowing 
there are no more words that need be spoken, 
for the final benediction she heard, 
was simply, "I love you.”

23 thoughts on “Benediction – For Jackie”

  1. Dear Louise, we loved Jackie at our work place, SCMC, are deeply saddened for your and our loss, the impact she had on our lives for the short time we knew her is incredible…I can’t imagine how your hearts must feel, love and prayers to you all xoxoxo

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    • Dear Kari-Lynn and everyone at SCMC, Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

      Thank you for the care you gave Jackie for so long — she always talked about all of you, and THANK YOU for being at her celebration of life and for sharing your love, prayers and compassion.

      It was such a beautiful gift to meet you all. ❤

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  4. tears here, Louise. I know, I know…. the unbearable pain even though we know that the dear departed soul would never wish to come back – it will hurt for a long time, and at the same time you’ll thank God (or whoever anyone believes in) that the pain is over, the body is no longer suffering and that OUR pain is nothing in comparison to the departed one’s.
    What beautiful words you found, dear friend. May the hearts and souls of all those who suffer from her death be filled with comfort and the knowledge that Jackie was so very much loved until her last breath. Sending prayers and thoughts. Kiki

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  10. I am so saddened Louise to read of the passing of your dear sister …….your blog today touched my heart deeply. Words are hard to come by. Keeping you and your family close in love and prayers. 🙏🏼💐

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