Dying with Honor

Dying with Honor

 

First impressions and last impressions—

It’s been said they are what sticks

As most memorable, most meaningful.

How we begin and how we end—

People attach to these moments

Like barnacles on a blue whale.

 

My mind’s eye ponders The Last Samurai,

A story of an ancient warrior

Who mustered his last stand

In the Satsuma Rebellion—

Dying with dauntless devotion,

Never more alive than in the jaws of death. 

 

I think of the pluck of William Wallace,

Facing the end of his life, 

Forehead set like flint,

Staring full in the face of his own execution,

Crying out: “FREEEEEEDOOOOOM!!!”

All who fell under the sound of his voice

Made brave by their brother, Braveheart,

Faced their future with new nerve.

 

I think of Jesus fastened to the cruel cross,

Leading a criminal to eternal salvation—

Advocating for his traumatized mother,

Asking John to both adopt and be adopted—

Forgiving his enemies with dauntless love,

Killing with kindness those killing him—

Finally looking to the sky with a surrendered spirit,

“Tetelesai”, he cried, “It is Finished”—

Mission Accomplished, 

No dishonorable discharge,

Semper Fidelis to the bitter end.

 

I sit squarely in these final days 

Of dad’s legendary last impressions,

I’ve sojourned with him in his Genesis story,

Now I get to join him in his Revelation story—

The bookends of a consequential life.

Unlike many people who die without hope,

This guy’s best days are not behind him.

The best is yet to come.

The Kingdom Come.

 

As sleep crashes over the gunwale,

And his ship’s stern and starboard  

Take on water, sinking slowly—

Dad groans with the Apostle John,

“Lord Jesus, Come quickly.”

 

Last impressions have lasting impressions.