An oldie but a goodie

>> A Woman and a Fork>>>> There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness>> and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her>> things "in order," she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her>> house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.>>>> She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what>> scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be>> buried in.>>>> Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the>> young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.>>>> "There's one more thing," she said excitedly.>>>> "What's that?" came the Pastor's reply.>>>> "This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be>> buried with a fork in my right hand.">>>> The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to >> say.>>>> That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.>>>> "Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the Pastor.>>>> The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story,>> and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to>> those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my>> years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when>> the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would>> inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite>> part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety>> chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with>> substance!'>> So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in>> my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?" Then I want>> you to tell them: "Keep your fork, the best is yet to come.">>>> The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young>> woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would>> see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a>> better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what>> heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as>> much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was>> coming.>>>> At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and>> they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right>> hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, "What's with the>> fork?" And over and over he smiled.>>>> During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he>> had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them>> about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people>> how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they>> probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was>> right. So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind>> you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come..>>>>>>>> Friends are a very rare jewel , indeed, They make you smile and>> encourage you to succeed . They lend an ear, they share a word of>> praise , and they always want to open their hearts to us.>>>> Show your friends how much you care. Remember to always be there for>> them, even when you need them more. For you never know when it may be>> their time to "Keep your fork.">> Cherish the time you have , and the memories you share .>> Being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet >> responsibility..