Christian Reality

My relatives have a curious idea that they should see Grandpa just before he dies. Now there is nothing wrong with that, in fact, it is a very nice thing to do. But I do not believe one should feel guilty for not seeing him breathe his last, as some of them were. What is the point? Some of them even called themselves 'lucky' to have been able to see his last moment on earth. May I ask, what is the difference between his last breath and the one he breathed 5 years ago? Call me unsentimental or overly rational, but there is really no difference. In fact, if you had seen him 5 years ago instead of now, he might have been happier to see you. Why were you not there? Why are you here only now? Because 5 years ago he would have heard the words you say to him, he would have responded back to you, he would have smiled at you, he would still have the strength to walk with you to the park. But see him now, and it would be a little bit too late. He may not even know you are there.

Now to Christian reality. It is in Francis Schaeffer's book, True Spirituality. If you are a Christian you would believe from the moment of conversion, Grandpa has always been with God. He has a special relationship with God the Father. He enters into mystical union with the Son. He has been indewelt with the Holy Ghost. Now I am sure Grandpa does not understand all these theologies. It did not matter because it is the reality and it happened. If one understands this, one knows that God has never left him. Not when he was breathing years ago, not when he was breathing his last. And certainly not even now, where he is with God.

My point is, there is no need to be sad, or guilty about not seeing him one last time. But I think this only applies to the Christian. If one has fulfilled his responsibility as a son, or as grandson, or as a family member, no guilt should be felt. If you had treated him well when he was still well and alive, no guilt should find you. It is really pointless to desire to meet him just before his death when he no longer has any mental capacity to recognise your love. Your love should have been felt way before he was dying.