I am in Michigan with my father, who is in Hospice and slowly dying. My family (mother, sisters, extended family) has come together to support him and someone has been with him 24/7 since he came to hospice last week.

I find the experience an inspiration. My father, has been good natured and aware of what is happening to him. He is a devout Methodist, and is at peace with his approaching death. He speaks about his desire to cross over to be his family (his mother, father and brothers) in heaven. He speaks about being presently caught between two worlds, ours and the next. He says he is unable to go yet because he has some unfinished business.When asked whom he has seen, he smiles and won't say.

When I was younger, I did not believe in such things (heaven, etc.). Now, in this time, in this room, when people come to pray with us, with my Dad or in those quiet moments like this when people are not around, that intangible presence is here. As it is often in Friend's Meetings. The family is at peace, content to let our father go, willing to wait until he does. I am grateful for this time with him, with my sisters and mother.

As I am here for nearly a month, I thought I would seek out other Quakers in the area. I know there is a Friends Meeting in Grand Rapids, MI and plan to attend if possible.

I was wondering if there are any Friends in the Greater Muskegon area? If so, maybe we could meet for coffee and chat.