ONE LAST KISS

Written by: Jenny Calvert

And now I know that none of you, among whom I have gone about proclaiming the
kingdom, will ever see my face again. In all this I have given you an example that
by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus,
for he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. When he had
finished speaking, he knelt down with them all and prayed. There was much
weeping among them all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, grieving especially
because of what he had said, that they would not see him again. Then they brought
him to the ship.
Acts 20:27, 35-38 (NRSV)
Dads mind was ravaged because of Alzheimer disease and it was a sad day when I
went home to say my final goodbyes on his death bed. When I got to the facility
many were already gathered around his bed. He was so well loved because of the
life he had lived. He was such a loving man, always wanting a hug and a kiss,
always telling of his love for us. In fact, dad loved everyone, even his enemies. He
would greet almost all with a holy kiss, as mentioned in the Bible. We never
doubted that love for one minute.
The church of Ephesus knew that they were seeing Paul for the last time. He left
them with words of warning and wisdom. He loved the church and they loved him.
When they parted they cried and hugged and kissed him. They knew that the next
time they would see Paul would be in eternity.
Around Dads bed that day was much weeping. We knew this was our last time on
earth to see his sweet face. Dad suddenly opened his eyes, and even though he
could no longer walk, talk or eat he puckered up his lips for a kiss. So I bent down
and gave dad one last kiss. I will never forget his devotion to the Lord, his words of
wisdom, the Godly example he set and his love for us. Until the day we will be
reunited, I must follow the same path dad took, the path of Gods love. Because of
the sacrifice of Jesus, we have a hope for eternity where we will greet God and all of
our loved ones with a holy kiss.
Dearest Jesus,
Thank-you for my earthly father and for letting me have that one last kiss. Till we
meet at your feet may God be with us and comfort us.
In Your Holy Name,
Amen