He died happy.
Dear Forum Friends,
A while back, I told you the story of Walter, who in World War 2 never fired a shot. He is gone now, he passed into the next world on May 15 in the evening. He
had had a good day. In the afternoon one of the ladies from the Church group had
been visiting him and the after supper the orderly came to give him a bath. Around 10:30 PM I received the call from the hospital, that he had just doed. A massive coronary took him away. He had been wanting to go for some time already. His work here on earth was finished and he missed his wife. She had gone about two
years before him. He missed her a lot. I can assure you, that Walter died happily. His affairs had been put in good order earlier and he was at peace with the
Lord. I had to phone his son in Germany and make the initial arrangements for the funeral. Walter had everything pre arranged and prepaid with the funeral home.
So it was easy for me. Just pick dates, look after some forms. meet the son at
the airport. The funeral itself was a simple affair. Some prayers at the graveside. Afterwards a lunch for a few intimate friends, that was all.
Now six weeks later I look back and can say:"Walter died happily"
Arthur was another friend and client. Arthur hated winter and cold weather. He much prefered to spend time in the Fillipines. The Fillipines are a magnet for older Canadian men. There are many girls in the Fillipines, who do not worry too much about age difference. Arthur had married a Fillipina, but after about ten years the marriage fell apart. It was, as it often is, a case of money. They came
to me to see if I could mediate a settlement and I almost succeeded. But at the
last minute Arthur got his back up and so it went through the lawyers. Well the
lady got a larger settlement, but the lawyers fees ate up all of that plus what
she might have had with a mediated settlement. She is still my client. Arthur died some seven years ago in Bagio City in the Fillipines. Arthur had a bad heart.
That is what caused his demise. Even though he knew his condition he rented an
apartment at a hillside with many stairs to climb. That is what did him in. Why
do I say, that Arthur also died happily? He was not a Church goer or member. He
actually did not believe in religion too much. But he did like girls. And in Manila he had met a fairly young girl, who went with him to Bagio City that fall. He sent me a letter that showed, that he enjoyed his life fully. He had a good wad of cash with him, that later was not found. But the people there burried Arthur in style. His grave is surrounded by a hanging chain like a garland all around
. And a imposing stone marker. More than he would have had here. His X ( X means
the divorced former wife)brought a picture back from her last visit.
Arthur left a nice but small house. I sold it and according to his will the proceeds came to one of his sons. The money was all he cared about. The other three
did not show much love for him either. So how can I say, that this man also died
happy?
From what he had told me several times, he felt more at home in the Fillipines than here in Canada and the girls he befriended showed him love.
It is indeed a strange world. Two different guys. One rich and quite old (Walter
) the other just old and of limited means. Both achieved what they desired.
Who was better off? I can not tell you that. The poor one ended up with a much nicer graveside, but then you can not use that in the next world either. I almost
think, although both were kind and generous in there way, that Walter has the edge.
You see life is strange and I am glad I could observe it. May you always live in
such a way, that people may say one Day:" He or She died happily"
Thats all for this day, Best wishes, Uncle Ben
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