Woman and a Fork.

Tom's Journal.http://tomschuckmanjournal.blogspot.com/tschuckman@aol.com

I had another busy day calling many on the phone to get things done and shake things up. With the right kind words I did get a lot done, and that makes me feel good. The Bella Home medical guy, Andy, came over with both power scooters, put one in the garage and the other in the back of my truck, and I signed his papers. Then my son, Andy, came over latter to go shop for some fresh produce, etc., for me and he put $50 in my truck gas tank and almost filled it up. I love to treat people well and give them small gifts-- like gas money, etc.

With my new-er 3 wheeler power scooter-- Golden Avenger, I am thinking about visiting my dear, lonely wife at Woodstock "nursing home" and bringing her what she craves, some cans of pineapple, etc. Got to test my new buggy anyway before I have appointments at the Milwaukee VA. But I also have PT at my home tomorrow and maybe a RN to check out a scab on the side bridge of my poor nose. What next?

The pizza man just came to my door to dump off the goodies, so I will talk to ya'll latter.
Thank you for all your prayers for all my great friends and me! God bless all the Believers and Servants of Jesus Christ. Please also pray for the Union Grove, WI Baptist church, that they might grow and have more love amongst them. But everything according to YOUR [the Father's ] Will. Time to hunker down, buy more Mac+ Cheese, beans and rice, ammo, batteries and candles, silver, and keep our noses in God's Word.

Love and Hugs,
Tom



*Woman and a 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 **Cherish
> the time you have**, **and the memories you share** .... **being friends
> with someone is not an opportunity, but a sweet responsibility. *

Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND...and I'll bet this will be an
> email they do remember, every time they pick up a fork.!
> *
> **And just remember...keep your fork!*
> Have a Wonderful Day!
> Be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of
> battle.