His Last Moments

David Charles Osborne (1913-1999)

More and more people are blessed,
To experience a newborn baby enter this world.
The weeks before pass by so slowly, as a mother's body changes.
The hours before of intense labor, as the baby prepares for life.
The minutes before of anticipation.
The seconds before a baby has been born are truly miraculous.
Finally, a gift from God is among us.

Not so many people are blessed,
To experience an aged (grand)parent enter Heaven.
The months before pass by so quickly, as the loved one's body changes.
The weeks before of shared wisdom and faith.
Gratitude for the significant life they've shared.

Spending his last night awake in our presence,
Beside the bed of my grandfather.
Holding his loving hands, hearing his life's stories.
Comforting his aged body,
Listening to his labored breaths.

Laughing at his humor, crying at his love,
Such a thankful, caring soul,
"Go check on the other guys", "They're sleeping"
"Go check to make sure they're alright", "OK, Dad"

"I haven't seen much of Heaven, yet", he remarks.
"Will you always remember holding my hand as I go to Heaven?",
"Yes, Grandpa" with tears of joy increasing in my youthful eyes.
We prayed for him to be with the Lord.

He longed to see his mother again,
Calling her name, praying to God,
The moments after his birth must have been so miraculous,
As the moments before his passing.
What an honor to share this with my father.

The night turned into a new morning.
Birds began to sing, the city began to wake.
Grandpa was still with us, yet ready to be with the Lord.
Family, his five children and many grandchildren were among him.
His granddaughter read him a Bible passage, as he slipped away.
The last moments were a beautiful beginning to his everlasting life in Heaven.

Dedicated to my father,
On Father's Day, 2001
Love, Jacqueline Dawn




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