End of life experience – O Holy Night by Adolphe Adam – Gary Murakami
Over the years, I have enjoyed time with my father-in-law Arne and his wife Sandy, talking, eating, playing chess, studying the Bible, and even discussing politics, religion, and world issues. Arne was highly intelligent, competitive, and had a clear vision of the improvements needed in our world. Sandy and I rejoiced in finding deep spiritual significance, insights, inspiration, and salvation in Jesus Christ through the Bible passages that we studied.
In mid October, Linnea and I had lunch with Arne and Sandy at their home in Summit, NJ. After Bible study with Sandy, Arne drove me home. The next week, Arne got sick, and an ambulance took him to Overlook Hospital. He had a serious infection and was so sick that he had difficulty recalling some words and finishing sentences. He responded well to treatment with anti-biotics, and two weeks later he was transferred to the ManorCare nursing home in New Providence on October 29, the day of the big snowstorm that took out electric power in the whole area for a week.
At ManorCare, Arne became known and loved for his gentle manner and conduct and for always saying “Thank you.” We celebrated with him for many events at ManorCare, visits from family, relatives, and friends; his 81st birthday, Thanksgiving, a puppet show from our church’s Youth Club kids, a Christmas concert by a brass band, and the spectacular ManorCare Christmas party.
During the last two months, Arne’s health fluctuated, and he eventually took a turn for the worse. Throughout everything, he continued to be the gentleman that he always had been over his whole life. Our memories of him remain to inspire us to be loving, steadfast, faithful, trustworthy, and triumphant. Linnea and I took turns at his bedside, talking to him, keeping him company and enjoying his presence even when he had difficulty in responding. Eventually, even a “yes” or “no” answer became a small victory. We played Christmas carols and songs by Petula Clark and I sang along to the music. I read to him from books, including passages like the following from the book titled “Blessing Your Spirit” (by Sylvia Gunter and Arthur Burk, from Day 8 Joy of the Lord, p23).
Touching him, I read,
Arne, your Father made you. He master-planned you, uniquely designed for this particular time in history. He chose the time in history, the family that He placed you into, and all your days up to now. His craftsmanship of you and His plans for you will stand before His throne for all eternity. I bless you with having abiding strength to be where God has placed you and to accomplish what He has called you to do, because you are able to drink deeply of the joy that God the Father has in you, as His beloved handiwork, crafted for His pleasure and purposes. I bless you in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.Arne opened his eyes and responded, “Powerful words!”
On the night that Arne passed away, I was singing along to the Christmas Portrait album by the Carpenters.
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,As I sang, “A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,” Arne took his last breath. He looked peaceful, maybe even joyful, as if he were seeing the dawn of a new and glorious morning in heaven, and hearing the angel voices, and resting in the arms of his heavenly Father.
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
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