Mr. McFarland

My neighbor Mr. McFarland was found dead today. The home health nurse came to check on him and found his body. She said he likely had been dead for a couple of days. She called the EMT’s but of course there was nothing to do but wait for the Medical Examiner.

I didn’t know my neighbor. He lived three doors down from my husband and me. In fact, we just saw him last week, a tall man who looked ill, pushing a wheelchair in his carport. He was 79 years old, suffering from an unbelievable fourth battle with cancer.

His neighbor Diane, who lives next door, saw the EMT’s pull up. One of them remained inside the home, with the other three waiting outside. She didn’t know much about him either, other than he had cancer.

I heard he had a son, not sure where he lives. But today that son learned his father was gone. No opportunity to say good-bye, to hold his hand, to heal any animosity or emotional pain from the past. There was no chance to tell his dad he was loved before he slipped away into eternity.

Family dynamics are different for everyone, some are good, some are not, and some fall in the middle. The fact that this man was living alone, dying of cancer with only a nurse to stop in twice a week spoke volumes.

All I could think about today was this elderly man leaving this earth…all alone. No one by his side. My mind imagined the surroundings of his condo likely cluttered with belongings from years gone by, probably accented by volumes of pill bottles and medical supplies, and a refrigerator with bottles of protein drinks.

There is no way to know the spiritual condition of his heart, only God holds that knowledge.

Like my neighbor, one day we too will pass from this earthly residence, leaving our families, friends, and belongings. For those who have a relationship with Jesus, we believe we will see His face full of love, glowing with the shekinah glory. Our Lord, our Savior, the one who hung on that rugged cross at Calvary, taking our sins and giving us the opportunity of eternal life with Him.

And then we will hear his tender voice speak, well done my good and faithful servant.

Rest in peace, Mr. McFarland.