Wednesday

the fork~

Everybody has their favorite thing ... like that old sweatshirt or jeans, your nice soft blanket, jewelry, cd's, pictures, a pillow, etc...

Well ... mine is a fork.

It's not just any old ordinary fork ... this fork has a history.  It was given to me by my Dad about 20 years ago when we were setting up our camper's kitchen.  Mom had a bunch of old silverware and dishes that she said I could rummage through to use.  In the mess of silverware was this fork.

When my Dad saw the old fork in the pile of silverware that I was sifting through he said, "well there's that old fork".  Of course, I had to know why he mentioned it.

He went on to tell me that it was the fork that was issued to him when he was on ship with the Navy, stationed in the Aluetian Islands in the Bering Sea by Alaska during WWII.  Notice on it's handle the USN stamp.  Why he kept it ...  who knows ~ but it was his ... and now it was mine.  He told me to keep it and think of him when he was gone.  It's been a few years now since he passed away ~ but every day ... every meal ... I eat with Daddy's fork.  Thank you Daddy for such a wonderful gift.

Now... another story about the fork

A few years back, a good friend of mine passed away.  I was asked to write a eulogy for her funeral.  I didn't know the first thing about doing that ... so I turned my searching for words and the proper way about doing it to the internet search engines ... and you know how you get side tracked when doing something?  It happens to me all the time ... anyhooooooooooooo

I came across this story and it has been in my head ever since.  Also... those of you who know me ~ know that I have some major health issues with my heart and I think about my death sometimes ... probably more than normal.  blah blah blah .... but it's true.

So....
I had a talk with my pastor and he had asked me if I had any wishes regarding my funeral.  Well...  I do.
I told him about this story I found on the internet and I would like to have the same done for me.

Here's my request.

When I am laid out in my casket ... I would like to have my Daddy's fork in my hand.

Now...
I know ~ there will be people looking down at me in my casket and they will be wondering ... some will probably even be making remarks out loud over it, like ... OMG... she's even taking her fork to Heaven ... didn't she use it enough while on Earth?  Oh... that poor fat girl ... she just couldn't lay it down... you get my drift?

I asked  Pastor not to tell anyone about it until it was time for my funeral sermon.

Then I asked for him to include in the service the story about the fork.

You know when you go out to eat and the waitress says, "hang on to your fork, there's better things coming" ... meaning the dessert.

Well so it is with life.  We all know that our eternal day on Earth is inevitable ... we are all going to die ... BUT ... for us Christians we BELIEVE that there is a better thing coming!  ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN !!  How wonderful is that!

So hang on to your fork ~ our dessert is coming!
~~~***~~~

another note ...
yes ... I do love food ... so much so that I started another blog with my recipe collection on it.  It's called Cooking Up North With Mel  check it out.

Some of the recipes that I have posted so far I've already posted before on this blog and my old blog; but hang on ... better things are coming. 

Until next time...
So it goes in my neck of the woods.
~mel

13 comments:

  1. Dear Mel.... a truely wonderful post! I had heard this story before BUT, it is extra special coming from you with the story of your fork. I know it is special to you, cuz.... I have my Daddy's pocket knife. Yep, my brothers didn't get it; I did, cuz I was the one who asked for it :) Dads are so special. and I'm careful where I put that knife....

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mel......... I love that story... Best story I have read in ages! I am sorry to hear about your heart issues... really sorry... You are too funny to leave early, and I expect many years of laughing my face off at your blog!

    Tracy
    xxoo

    ReplyDelete
  3. You, Mel, Beat all. What a wonderful entry. I will not forget this one.

    I am so glad you eat with a USN fork, Slim's kinda gal!

    If I see Elvis I will say hello for you. I am sure I saw his stretch today!! He hides behind those dark windows. Like I heard someone say, I don't want no dark windows on my Stretch, I want folks to see who is inside!!!!

    Sending love from Tupelo, Mississippi.
    Sherry & Jack

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the story. And I think your final plans are excellent. What a great way to go out!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Aw Mel, you brought tears to my eyes. What a sweet story and memory of your Dad and the fork. I think that's so special and I love that you still honor his memory everyday.
    Those are such true and inspiring words about 'hang on to your fork'
    You have such a beautiful heart and soul Mel. You're a treasure, my friend. I pray it's a few more decades before we have to worry about you 'hanging on to your fork' for eternity.

    I tried your apple turnover recipe...
    I messed up and used dark brown sugar, but they turned out okay anyway. ;)

    I love your Cooking blog, Cool! It's virtually delicious. :)

    Here's wishing you a lovely rest of the week!
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. That's a great story I've heard used at a funeral or two - but it is special because you have personalized it so with that fork of your Dad's. That's real neat!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love that story and totally understant the importance of that fork. Hope you don't have to hold it for the last time for MANY years yet.
    Your daddy would be proud.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is a wonderful story and what a wonderful momento to have of your Dad's. Thanks for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I loved your analogy! Yes, better things are coming! Great story.

    ReplyDelete
  10. That is a good entry. I understand the attatchment to the fork.You are so upbeat about everything. My cardiologist has me in limbo, kind of. You have a great attitude especially about food. You are my kind of gal.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I loved your post, Mel. I also have a favorite fork that has family memories attached - I keep it in a special place in my silverware drawer, and enjoy using it every day.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Tears in eyes ~ I love that YOU got Daddy's fork. After all you are the 'cook' in our family. Great post Mel - LOVE YOU!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Mel, I know Daddy was honored to
    give his special fork to you, just as I
    know you've been honored to receive it.
    Some things are just meant to be!
    Be blessed - love ya, me

    ReplyDelete