He never really thought that it might be like this. The pressure of the mask on his face, struggling for each breath – never in his wildest dreams had he imagined such pain or such struggles. And then he began noticing…
Certainly, his family was in the room, but now there were others. He felt a cold nose on his bare leg and looked down to see Ruffy, the family Newfoundland standing at the bedside. He remembered when Ruffy had died of old age under a lilac bush in the front yard, but now Ruffy was standing there, very much alive and bigger, blacker, and glossier than he remembered. And Ruffy looked at him with eyes full of love.
Then as he continued to look, he saw other animals crowding into the room – the 4-H sheep, the calves, his cow Elsie and her daughter Whiteface, and all the other dearly remembered family pets. The animals were waiting as if for a signal.
Suddenly, he heard his mother calling him, “Russie! Russie! Russie!” He hadn’t heard that beloved voice in more than 41 years. Looking around the room, he gazed one last time at his wife and daughters and his son – in – law. And then he knew. The animals had come for him, but now one more figure was entering the room. As he looked up, he saw the face of Jesus – that face he had longed to see for so many years, that look of perfect love and perfect acceptance. Jesus reached out his hand, and Rus and the animals crossed into heaven.
And echoing in the room were the words of Mr. Valiant – for – Truth from The Pilgrim’s Progress:
“Then said he, “I am going to my Father’s; and though with great difficult I am got hither, yet now I do not repent me of all the trouble I have been at to arrive where I am. My sword I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage, and my courage and skill to him that can get it. My marks and scars I carry with me, to be a witness for me that I have fought His battles who now will be my rewarder.’ So he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side.”
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