Winter 2003
Audrey, Dorothy, Maisy and their husbands watched the slow and increased decline in Peggy’s health. She seemed annoyed that her final breath on earth was taking so long whereas her dearest friends were relieved at each day when they discovered she had not departed during the previous evening.
Christmas of 2002 and New Year of 2003 was celebrated at Peggy’s home. She was still able to walk granted it was with a walker, and she had to breathe with the aid of a supply of oxygen from a tank. She cursed both apparatus frequently and forever complained that God was taking so long to collect her. “I don’t know why He is taking so long; I am ready to go.” Peggy often proclaimed with much indignation.
As winter approached, Peggy’s body began to take its toll. The cold air bit into her bones adding to the already excruciating pain she was experiencing from cancer. By July Peggy was bed bound and rarely speaking, her breathing was erratic and rasping even with the aid of the oxygen. Peggy’s three lifelong dearest friends Audrey, Dorothy and Maisy knew it was just a matter of time until their darling Peggy finally got to spend eternity with her Harvey and Jesus.
The caregiver, a middle-aged widow, named Thelma, left the friends alone in the room. She seemed to have a premonition that the time was now, and they’d be best left alone at the end with their Peggy.
Audrey, Dorothy, and Maisy sat comfortably on the bed next to Peggy. They held her hands and rubbed her arms or her legs; Peggy was nothing but skin and bone. Dorothy picked up Peggy’s fragile hand and kissed it and held it to her cheek. She closed her eyes and started humming a tune. Without hesitating or thinking Audrey and Maisy joined Dorothy, but they sang the words;
“Some bright morning when this life is over, I’ll fly away
To that home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away oh glory I’ll fly away in the morning
When I die Halleluiah by and by
I’ll fly away.”
Frank, Cecil, and Desmond sitting in the lounge heard their wives singing and fearing the worst rushed to Peggy’s room. Their hearts swelled at the sight of their wives singing to their precious friend as she took her last breaths. They stood next to their wives, lovingly resting their hands on their wives’ shoulders or arms and looked upon Peggy with as much love as a brother to his sister. They joined their voices in the song;
“When the shadows of this life are gone, I’ll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls, I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away oh glory I’ll fly away in the morning
When I die Halleluiah by and by
I’ll fly away
Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away
To a land where joys will never end, I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away oh glory I’ll fly away in the morning
When I die Halleluiah by and by
I’ll fly away.”
They sang and sang the song over and over until their hurting hearts could no longer sing a note. Audrey, Dorothy, and Maisy sobbed in the arms of their husbands, who also too, grieved for their Peggy.
Cecil, cleared his throat he reached out his hands indicating for them to join hands. Audrey and Dorothy completed the chain of hands by holding Peggy’s hands. Cecil prayed, he prayed so fervently in thanks and worship to God. He prayed for the acceptance of their beloved sister Peggy into Jesus’ arms and that she’d walk for eternity in God’s Kingdom with Jesus. He prayed that she and Harvey get reunited in spirit form. He prayed that God takes her soon that she may suffer no more. He prayed for God to give them strength to live without their Peggy. He prayed it all in Jesus’ name and said Amen.
They opened their eyes and watched their precious Peggy battle to fill her lungs with air. They watched as Peggy’s chest deflated and never rose again. They watched their beautiful sister finally leave this world and go on to a far, far better place.
“Goodbye my darling Peggy, till we meet again I love you so much.” Audrey sobbed.