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Deborah
07-12-2007, 08:03 AM
...by a dear friend battling metastatic inflammatory breast cancer. The story itself gives pause for thought, but the fact that it was sent by her is truly amazing.

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?" asked the pastor.

"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 a little puzzled," said the pastor.

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 church socials and potluck 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 when they come to say goodbye, 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, because the best is yet to come."

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 pretty dress 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.

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.

threefriends91
07-12-2007, 08:13 AM
Dear Deborah this is so special it touched my heart thank you for sharing and God Bless you.Cathy

inkinupstamps
07-12-2007, 08:19 AM
Oh Deborah, thank you! I believe I've read this before but that matters not. What matters is the message it sends and yes, that your dear friend sent this to you shows there is yet another person who "gets it!"

Thank you for sharing this lovely and inspiring message!

Jennifer

jazzypurple853
07-12-2007, 08:27 AM
It really makes you pause and reflect. This is so inspirational.

dreis1
07-12-2007, 08:38 AM
What a thoughtful message, there is truly something better to come. Glinda

tesschap
07-12-2007, 08:39 AM
Wow - do I have goose bumps! Thanks so much for sharing this.

LinzyD
07-12-2007, 09:22 AM
That is awesome.

directmailscrapper
07-12-2007, 11:22 AM
This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Nancy

scrappinnuts
07-12-2007, 11:35 AM
I love this story..and so very true..thank you for sharing. God bless

teabear
07-12-2007, 11:38 AM
Great story. TFS

lisaguyon
07-12-2007, 12:19 PM
TFS....I have read it before but it is well worth a million reads. I have goose bumbs.

Lisa