Keep the 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.. 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. 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 their fork."

Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share ... being friends

with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.

Send a link to this page to everyone you consider a FRIEND.

And from me to you, keep your fork.