"Final Prayer" by James T. Johnston
Early Monday morning, my grandfather, Jim Johnston, passed away. I thank you all very much for your condolences, and please know that we're fine, though perhaps a little emotionally fraught and also coming down with cabin fever. :-)
The trip downhill was worse than the inevitable news itself. I will probably write more about it later, as there are what I think are interesting ethical issues to cover, though I may find them interesting because it's the first time I've been faced with them. I hope to do this soon.
Here is the link to the obituary in today's Chronicle-Herald:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/obituaries/1174658-johnston-james-thompson-bell-jim
On the wall of his room, he hung this poem:
Final Prayer
Dear God, draw near to hear my whispered prayer,
Soon must I pass in keeping with your call.
Grant that the loved whom I must leave behind,
Shall weep no tears, but let my eyes bear all.
Be thou their hope, the hand that leads them on
When strength fades in the shadow of their fears;
A breath of courage to a will nigh gone,
The grace to give them comfort through the years.
Remove the veil of strife that clouds their thoughts,
"Your Peace" I now attain, my battle won.
Lord, may they hear a still small voice proclaim,
I lay me down to "sleep", thy will is done.
Enfold me Lord in your undying love,
Take victory from the grave to your control;
Forgive my debts, as you forgive all debtors,
and bless this rest, the Sabbath of my soul.
James T. Johnston
The trip downhill was worse than the inevitable news itself. I will probably write more about it later, as there are what I think are interesting ethical issues to cover, though I may find them interesting because it's the first time I've been faced with them. I hope to do this soon.
Here is the link to the obituary in today's Chronicle-Herald:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/obituaries/1174658-johnston-james-thompson-bell-jim
On the wall of his room, he hung this poem:
Final Prayer
Dear God, draw near to hear my whispered prayer,
Soon must I pass in keeping with your call.
Grant that the loved whom I must leave behind,
Shall weep no tears, but let my eyes bear all.
Be thou their hope, the hand that leads them on
When strength fades in the shadow of their fears;
A breath of courage to a will nigh gone,
The grace to give them comfort through the years.
Remove the veil of strife that clouds their thoughts,
"Your Peace" I now attain, my battle won.
Lord, may they hear a still small voice proclaim,
I lay me down to "sleep", thy will is done.
Enfold me Lord in your undying love,
Take victory from the grave to your control;
Forgive my debts, as you forgive all debtors,
and bless this rest, the Sabbath of my soul.
James T. Johnston