March 1995

Dear Friends:

It was early on a Thursday morning in January and my friend, Geoff, was not expected to live through the weekend.  I came to the hospital to say good-bye and to say thanks - for his love, his encouragement, his sense of humour and his availability as a confidant.

Gratefully, when I arrived Geoff was awake and alert; his first comment to me was "Well, Tom, I'm not long for this world".  It wasn't said with bitterness or sarcasm, but as a statement of fact.  Our discussion was brief, warm, full of humour and realism.  He was covered by a transcendent peace that only God can bring. 

I was glad I had come.  As I thought about Geoff, I realized that he was somewhat larger than life.  He had been President of Western Royal LePage of Canada, married for 48 years, had an honorary doctorate and was philanthropically involved with countless schools and organizations throughout Canada.  He also had his fair share of pain, including the loss of two sons in a tragic accident when they were both in their twenties. 

He had been successful in the worldly sense, but had also known great tragedy.  Yet, these accomplishments and sufferings paled in comparison to the hope he had found in his relationship with God. 

Even in the shadow of death, Geoff was at peace with God and had the assurance of God's love and eternal purpose for him.  We held hands and prayed - my emotions were in overload and my thoughts unclear - but his prayer I shall never forget. 

"Dearest Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness over my life - and that in your great mercy - you have from time to time allowed me the privilege of serving you and in some small way assisting your will on earth.  I thank you in the name of Jesus.  Amen."

As I left his bedside at the hospital - I was filled with a mixture of grief and joy.  What a man of faith.  The words of Jesus came to mind:

I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life . . .  he has crossed over from death to life.

John 5:24

Do we have the same perspective on life . . . and on death as Geoff?"

Blessings,

Tom Cooper

Volume IV, Issue 2