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Wednesday, February 9, 2011

The Last Journey

His family is gathered round the bed: the room quiet save for the sound of labored breathing. He reaches out a feeble hand only to have it immediately grasped by two strong masculine ones.
‘’Is that you boy?’’ he asks in a quavering voice.
‘’Yes Dad, its me. I’m right here. We’re all here. Even your new great grandson is here to see you.
‘’Let me see the child. I want to see him before its time.’’
‘’Now don’t be talking like that Dad. You’ll be out of here in no time.’’
He looks deep into the eyes of his beloved son and sees only an abiding love.
‘’We both know how I’ll be leaving this room Jason.
Jason begins to weep softly’’
‘’Now, now. My pain will soon be over and look at that beautiful grandson that you to help raise. You have to be there for him. You have to take my place. Now hush up and let me see the boy.’’
His granddaughter pushes her way up to the bed.
‘’Isn’t he the most beautiful baby you’ve ever seen Papa? We named him after you. His name is Darrel Alan.’’
Amidst all his pain he manages a sigh of contentment. Life had not been easy but he had been able to pull it off and close his life out with peace and contentment. Yes, and lots of love.
Jason brushes a strand of gray hair from his father’s forehead.
‘’We’re all right here Dad. We’re all here. Dad? Dad? Daddy? Wake up Daddy. Daddy please wake up. Jason cries softly.
He gasps and opens his eyes. There is no sense of feeling. No up or down, nothing but darkness.
‘’Isn’t there supposed to be a bright light to follow or something?
A soft voice whispers, ‘’Wait. Be patient and wait.’’
He heeds the voice and waits quietly.