The Funny Pages

I position myself over the nursing home bedrail and rub his long, thin arm.

"Would you like some water, Grampie?" I hold the glass with the straw toward him.

"Is it wet?" he replies. A wide grin spreads across his weathered, stubbly face. I touch the straw to his lips, so he'll know the drink is there.

"Oh, Grampie, you're so funny!"

He doesn't hesitate, "I know! I'll meet you in the funny pages!" That reply takes me back to childhood and I laugh. He has always called the Saturday newspaper comics, "funnies or funny pages".

That was our last conversation.

Today, my dear, sweet, loving Grampie, went to be with Jesus. His once robust and more than six foot body, now frail and bony, has completed its life here. His spirit, the one with the humour, the wit, the desire to talk about all the people whom he and Billy Graham have helped to get saved, has moved on to a place that's beyond our imaginations. I am trapped in time and barely can comprehend the breadth of it all but I'm overwhelmed with the thought that he will have new eyes that see and a new body. He'll join his wife whom he lost less than one year ago, as well as, other family and friends. Most of all, he'll actually behold the One who gave him life in the first place.

Grampie, you were like a father to me and I'm thrilled for you but saddened for me. But, I'm coming, Grampie! I'm right behind you. Throw your arms around Mama for me and tell her I miss her. Give her the special "hiding place kiss" and tell her she can't wash it off. I'll meet you both soon... not in the funny pages, but definitely where there's much laughter--just your style.