The Best Death Ever

A recommended funeral prayer in the United Methodist Hymnal includes the phrase, “Help us to live as those who are prepared to die. And when our days here are accomplished, enable us to die as those who go forth to live.” I have offered that prayer on numerous occasions. I believe that phrase defines a basic core of the Christian faith. We do not believe that death is an end, but that death is a transitional point to a new and better life.

That being the case, I believe my mother had the best death ever. Yes, that may appear to be morbid, callous, or inappropriate, but I can’t imagine someone dying a better death than Carol Schuhmacher. Let me explain.

Suffering from COPD for almost 20 years, my mother knew her death was coming. That allowed her to prepare and comfort. Her slow decline allowed her to pre-plan and pre-pay her funeral. She had time to make sure there was no debt owed to anyone. She had time to personally bless each of her family individually. She took it further by doing the best she could to bless as many people as she could on her way to the glorious light of death.

Most importantly, Carol prepared herself spiritually. She never “had it out” with God. Instead she used her last years of life to grow more intimate with her Lord and Savior, Jesus. She read her Scriptures voraciously. She took notes. She asked questions with wonder and awe, not with fear and trembling. She lived out the apostle Paul’s exhortation to pray without ceasing.

She left her family a fortune. Her fortune was not monetary, but spiritual. She knew where she was going and she was looking forward to it. She had the blessed assurance that God’s promises all came true through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. She made sure all her progeny knew where she was going.

Family and friends surrounded her in her last three days. My mind’s eye sees snapshots. The twinkle in her eye as she told one last joke in front of her bridge partners. Lori quietly singing the songs Carol selected for her to sing at the memorial service. My daughter Cora, alone in a chair, quietly praying through her grief. The look of appreciation as Caleb’s father, a baritone for the San Francisco Metropolitan Opera, sang Ave Maria to her on her last day.

As her family and friends mourn her loss we are comforted. Within our grief is a peace that passes understanding. A peace promised by Jesus and lived out through the life, death, and resurrection of Carol Schuhmacher. My mother’s faith in Jesus Christ allowed her the best death ever; a death available to all of us who truly believe.