-Originally Published In January 2008-
What do you say in your last visit with your dad before he dies?
Someone recently asked me if my Dad and I ever talked about serious things. They were frustrated with their father because he never discussed anything ’serious with them’.
In my last few visits with Dad he talked about heaven and his dreams and visions. He dreamed that he had gone to a place that he could not describe. There were thousands of people there, and my Mom was introducing him to everyone. I said, “It had to be heaven as she was too shy and did not enjoy being with strangers when she was here.”
I received a call from my brother on December 26 informing me that Dad had “gone home”. Going home had been his greatest desire for the past few years. He had assured me that he was “paid up, prayed up and ready to go” and “on the runway-ready for takeoff”.
I’ve reflected on my last visit with him which was three weeks ago. He slept most of the time, but we had some great conversations during the few times that he was awake. Sunday came quickly, and I knew in my gut that it would be my last time with him.
I took his hand and began quoting the 23rd Psalm. His eyes grew bigger and brighter than I’ve seen them. I finished the last line-“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!” He began repeating “forever”, and I would say “forever”. I walked away with him saying “forever”.
As I stood by his flag-draped casket, I cannot describe the comfort from the word-“forever”!
Make sure you spend some time talking about “forever”.
Mike Cowart
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
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