Time to prepare

Here’s a true story narrated by a good friend of ours: He went on a business trip to India and made many friends. One day, an associate invited him to accompany him to the hospital where his father was rushed. After speaking with the hospital’s medical staff, the former disclosed, “The doctor says that my dad has stage four cancer and will not live long. My mother and brother have agreed not to tell my dad. But, I do not know what to do.”

Our friend replied, “Do not treat your father that way. He might want to prepare for what he’s about to face. Tell him the truth and let him decide what to do with his life.” The associate answered, “I don’t know what to say. Please be the one to break the news to my father.”

Good and bad news

Our friend was taken aback, because he had just met the old man. But, he agreed. He sat by the man’s bedside, held his hand and said, “I have good and bad news for you: The bad news is that you have cancer. The good news is, you will not die because you are a spiritual being.

“Your material body may perish, but you will always live on. Everyone goes through death, but you need not be alone when you leave. Take refuge in the name of God, and He will protect you. With your time left, you can prepare to go back home to Him.”

The father held my friend’s hand tightly and thanked him. He spent his remaining days praying and listening to the scriptures read to him, and left his physical body peacefully.

This true story demonstrates bravery as exemplified by our friend, who was willing to reach out to someone who needed help, and the sick father who accepted his fate bravely.

All of us will pass away sooner or later. Let’s face it and take shelter in the loving arms of the Most Powerful!