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Posted on 01/03/2005 4:53:16 AM PST by JustAmy
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But, the sun always shines on Temple Owl.
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 Priest 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 Priest 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 Priest's reply.
"This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand,"
The Priest 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 Priest.
The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from there on out, I have always done so. I have also, 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 Priest'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 Priest heard the question "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.
During his message, the Priest 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. The pastor 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 jewels, 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.
Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share ... being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.
And keep your fork.
I'm going to celebrate Trivia Day! How about you?
Every day is trivia day for me.
Coffee Trivia:
Coffee was first known in Europe as Arabian Wine.
Coffee, along with beer and peanut butter, is on the national list of the "ten most recognizable odors."
Coffee, as a world commodity, is second only to oil.
Dark roasted coffees actually have LESS caffeine than medium roasts. The longer a coffee is roasted, the more caffeine burns off during the process.
Caffeine: there are 100 to 150 milligrams of caffeine in an eight-ounce cup of brewed coffee, 10 milligrams in a six-ounce cup of cocoa, 5 to 10 milligrams in one ounce of bittersweet chocolate, and 5 milligrams in one ounce of milk chocolate.
Large doses of coffee can be lethal. Ten grams, or 100 cups over 4 hours, can kill the average human.
The world's costliest coffee, at $130 a pound , is called Kopi Luwak. It is in the droppings of a type of marsupial that eats only the very best coffee beans. Plantation workers track them and scoop their precious poop.
Frederick the great had his coffee made with champagne and a bit of mustard.
Hard Bean means the coffee was grown at an altitude above 5000 feet.
Hawaii is the only state of the United States in which coffee is commercially grown. Hawaii features an annual Kona Festival, coffee picking contest. Each year the winner becomes a state celebrity. In Hawaii coffee is harvested between November and April.
Hi Jen! I think I will whip out the ol' blender and blend up a margarita.
How about you, Amy....are you up for a margarita? Yes, I know, it isn't even noon here yet. But it is the cocktail hour somewhere. LOL
Margarita?? Oh yeah! Pour one for me please. No ice. Extra salt. YUMMMMMMmmmmmmm!
I am so tired of being cold...I HATE winter. Can't wait for those hot sunny days to come again.
Yum!
Hey, everybody ! Happy Tuesday!
Have a cup while you Freep !
Good morning, ((( Dansy )))
I think there is some chocolate tucked inside that basket of flowers. :)
Oh, you *****ROCK***** Amy!
:-)
I know that you have been pressed for time, so you taking time to write me a poem was very special. Thank you again.
I'm looking forward to the day you will get some free time and start writing again. We miss your poems here. :(
Good afternoon, SilverLeaf.
Thank you. I had a very enjoyable birthday. I was able to spend a lot of time online and chat with many friends.
I hope you are having a terrific Tuesday.
I am almost at my limit of patience with what's going on at work. If I didn't hate looking for a job more than I hate the current temporary conditions, I'd split!
I'm glad you liked it. Happy Birthday Yesterday again!
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