Good evening, everyone
A bit of reading to ponder…
THE FORK
Once upon a time, there was a young woman who was suffering from a fatal illness and had been given three months to live. As she was putting her affairs in order, she contacted her priest to ask him to come see her to settle certain details regarding her last wishes.
She told him which song she wanted at her service, which text should be read, and what clothes she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order, and as the priest was about to leave, the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.
"There's something else," she said, all excited.
"What?" said the priest.
"This is very important," the young woman continues. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."
The pastor stood before the young woman, not quite knowing what to say.
"That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.
"Finally, to be honest, I am perplexed by your request," said the priest.
The young woman explained: “My grandmother once told me this story, and ever since that day I have always tried to pass this message on to the people I love as well as to everyone who needs encouragement.”
In all my years of attending social events and dinners, I always remember that inevitably someone would lean over to tell me, “Keep your fork.” That was my favorite part, because I knew something better was coming… like chocolate mousse cake or an apple pie. Something wonderful and with some substance!
I just want… that when people see me in my coffin with a fork in my hand… they wonder: “Why that fork?” and then you can tell them: “Keep your fork… the best is yet to come!”
The priest's eyes filled with tears of joy; then he took the young woman in his arms to say goodbye to her. He also knew that this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death.
But he also knew that this young woman had a better idea of paradise than he did, like many people nearly twice his age, with twice the experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.
At the funeral, people filed past the young woman's grave and saw her pretty dress and the fork in her right hand.
One after the other, the pastor heard the question, “Why the fork?”
And in turn, the priest smiled.
During his sermon, the priest told the people about his conversation with the young woman shortly before her death. He also told them the story of the fork and what it meant to her.
The priest told the people how he couldn't stop thinking about the fork and that they wouldn't be able to either. And he was right. So the next time you hold a fork in your hand, as gently as possible, let it remind you that the best is yet to come.
Friends are precious gems. They make you smile and encourage you to achieve your goals. They lend you an attentive ear, offer you kind words, and always open their hearts to you.
Show your friends how much you care about them. Always be there for them, even when you are the one who needs them the most. Because you never know when it will be their turn to “hold their fork.” Cherish the time and memories you share… being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.
… and keep your fork!..
Marylena
