NursingLink

  A Woman and her Fork

 There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things 'in order,' she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.  Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.    'There's one more thing,' she said excitedly.    'What's that?' came the Pastor's reply.

'This is very important,' the young woman continued. 'I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.'  The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.  That surprises you, doesn't it?' the young woman asked.

 'Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request,' said the Pastor.  The young woman explained. 'My grandmother once told me this story, and  from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was  coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie.  Something  wonderful, and with substance!'

 So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?' Then I want you to  tell them: 'Keep your fork, the best is yet to come.'

 The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman  good-bye.  He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before  her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven  than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many  people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, 'What's with the fork?' And over and over he smiled.  During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.   He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you,  ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel,  indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.

Show your friends how much you care. Remember to always be there for them, even when you need them more. For you never know when it may be their time to 'Keep your fork.'  Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share. Being  friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility

A very beautiful and meaningful story! On the subject of unique funerals- I recently attended a viewing where there were boxes of candy bars everywhere for the visitors.  These candy bars were the deceased  mans'  favorite candy and family felt that everyone in attendance should have a last candy bar "with Jerry"!! The candy  was actually a conversation piece that had all of us talking to one another  and making the viewing more of a social gathering with everyone talking and introducing themselves as we discussed Jerry's passion for his favorite candy bar!!!! Just thought I'd share that experience with you all!!!!!

I have tears in my eyes after reading this.  What an amazing person she must have been

 I am surprised that more people have not read this story, it is a heartfelt one I thought, was I wrong?