Posted on 07/19/2005 11:05:47 PM PDT by Exton1
Keep Your 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 Rabbi 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 funeral service, what poems she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order and the Rabbi 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 Rabbi's reply.. "This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."
The Rabbi 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 Rabbi.
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 with whipped cream. 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 Rabbi'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 to live for, that something better was coming.
At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the beautiful dress she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Rabbi heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.
During his message, the Rabbi 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. 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. Remember to always be there for them, even when you need them more. For you never know when it may be their time to "Keep your fork."
Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share ... being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.
This story is forked up
Put a fork in it. It's done!
Beautiful story. I have not read it before.
Thanks for posting it.
Fork this!
Just something nice to read.
I have been told that Orthodox Jews do not believe in Heaven, per se. Perhaps this little story would work better with a preacher instead of a rabbi.
Awwwww.... great post.
The story reminds me of F.R. member "Texas Flower" who recently passed away. Something better came for her. I miss her.
Yeah, I bet she would say something like this if she could. She and her dad both seemed to be the sort of people who worried more about others than themselves. The world has lost a couple of great people, but, Heaven has gained two wonderful souls.
It's still painful to deal with , even when we know they are together in a better place. I've seen a lot of posts from people who are missing her. I think it's especially difficult, because her death was so unexpected.
I'm not saying it's better when someone is sick , and you know they are going to pass away,(as was the case with her dad) , at some point, but, it does give you some time to prepare.
Prayers for you, and all her friends and family for comfort as you grieve her loss.
SATAN....
Just minutes before the church services started the towns people were sitting in their pews and talking. Suddenly, Satan appeared at the front of the church. Everyone started screaming and running for the front entrance, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away from evil incarnate. Soon everyone had exited the church except for one elderly gentleman who sat calmly in his pew without moving, seemingly oblivious to the fact that God's ultimate enemy was in his presence.
So Satan walked up to the old man and said, "Don't you know who I am?"
The man replied, "Yep, sure do."
"Aren't you afraid of me?" Satan asked.
"Nope, sure ain't" said the man.
"Don't you realize I can kill you with a word?" asked Satan.
"Don't doubt it for a minute," returned the old man, in an even tone.
"Did you know that I could cause you profound, horrifying, physical agony forever?"
"Yep," was the calm reply.
"And you're still not afraid?" asked Satan.
"Nope.
"More than a little perturbed, Satan asked, "Well, why aren't you afraid of me?"
The man calmly replied, "Been married to your sister for 45 years."
Thanks for the ping.
Of course, the woman may have just been stealing some silverware...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.