ruwth is writing...

~ Life Goes On ~

~ Life Goes On ~

On Tuesday, my daughter and I worked in my yard. By that evening, I realized the heat had been too much for me. I went to bed—for a few days. On Friday, I had still not recovered but had a commitment to keep. I had promised my son I would care for his animals while he and his family went to the lake for a few days.

I was feeling so bad, I used Google Maps to find the shortest route and prayed I would make it. My plan? Straight to his house in the country—no stops along the way.

My friend's husband was not well. Actually, he was dying. He was 94 and had fluid building up in his lungs. He had been in and out of the hospital for the last couple months. His doctors had sent him home on hospice. They were draining about 400 ml of blood-tinged fluid from his lungs every other day.

I had stayed with him for a few nights so his wife could get some sleep. He spent a few hours in the middle of the night telling me tales from his life and even preached a mini-sermon just for me.

I had called and checked my friend and gotten updates from her each day on how he was doing. She said hospice had told her they only expected him to live a month or so. She was still hoping for a miracle but gradually coming to terms with that news.

I did not intend to see them again until after my son and his family got home from vacation. Their home was not on my way—and remember, I had said no stops along the way.

I called my friend to visit with her as I drove...

I heard myself asking, "May I stop by for a minute?" Of course, she said yes. I turned off my planned path and headed to their home...

As she opened the door to me when I arrived, I could sense the Presence of God. I hugged her and then made my way to the next room and greeted her husband.

We exchanged our normal greeting, him asking, "How are you, young lady?" and me asking, "How are you, old man?".

For the first time since I'd known him, he responded, "Not so good."

Tears filled my eyes as I held his hand and silently prayed for him. I said some words to him letting him know how glad I was to have had him in my life. I squeezed his hand, said my good-byes and headed to my son's.

The next day, he lapsed into a coma. He died two days later. I am so glad I made that detour and saw him one last time.

It had not been my plan but I believe I was led by the One whose plans are above mine. He knew I needed to say good-bye and blessed me with those last precious moments.

I cherish that time and can add it to the memories I have of this very special man. I am glad to have known him...



Written for "SENIOR CENTER FORUM" 
Word Count: 535 Words

~ ~ ~ JESUS is LORD! ~ ~ ~