The greatest lessons I’ve learned about facing death have not surprisingly come from people I have known who were near the end of their earthly life. One thing I have learned is that not everyone travels the same path. Some are anxious for many reasons; others are resigned to death even if they are not quite ready for it. Some people actively resist their fate, and still some welcome death like an old friend.
Ten years ago, one of my childhood friends succumbed to cancer at the young age of 54. He fought so valiantly to stave off death. He had always been a person who, through his intellect and hard work, could solve any problem. He tackled cancer with the same perseverance. Before I visited him the last time in the hospital I asked his wife if he was resigned to death and she said he was not. So,
I found an old picture I had taken of him on a trip in 1974. We were at a theme park and in a silly moment he laid down on the tracks of the park’s train ride. We had always laughed about that picture. I wrote on the back of the photograph “Down but not out” and gave it to him in the hospital. He had lots of reasons to live but I know he was also a person of great faith and believed wholeheartedly in the resurrection.
Almost 20 years ago, a family member was near death. She shared with me in a private moment her concerns, not about death, but the journey she had to make to get there. What would dying be like? Would all the pain medicine prevent her from suffering? She told me, “I have no doubt on the other side there is paradise, but getting there is what worries me.” We did our best to make her comfortable until she was ready to part the veil and step into the light of God.
Finally, I remember having several conversations with many of our older members at St. Luke’s. These were folks who had lived long lives. Many had battled last illnesses for some time now. They all expressed one idea… I want to go home. Life here had been good, but it was going to be even better on the other side. Home was no longer a concept of an earthly dwelling but was a place in the heart of God.
How will we face death? Hopefully, we can do it with grace and gratitude in our hearts for the blessings of this life and the next, but there’s no “right way.” As Easter approaches, I thank God that in his mercy He promises to walk with us and take our hand as He leads across that bridge.
Rev. Dave Poteet, Pastor of Congregational Care
