My friend James Lamb, over in Kannapolis, died last week. He fought cancer valiantly over many months. He inspired all who knew him by the way he lived his final days. I went to see him a few hours before he passed. He had come to the point where he could barely see and hear. His beloved Kay leaned down to tell him, “Harold is here.” He couldn’t hear clearly, so she repeated loudly and with emphasis, “Harold Bales is here!”

     James replied with equal emphasis and a gentle growl, “Get rid of him!” I and the members of his family who had gathered to be with him roared with laughter. The tension in the room took flight instantly as we continued the vigil. About 12 hours later, peacefully and without struggle, James took flight. It turned out that those were his last words.

     We had prayed many times for James. We prayed that he would receive a miracle and be healed of his disease. Finally, he got his miracle. He went to be in the full presence of God forever.

     Over 45 years, I have been privileged to be present when several friends and relatives have uttered their last words on this earth. I have relished the memory of the last words of a great friend and mentor of mine. He was almost old enough to have been my grandfather. He loved me and I loved him. His wife and I held his hands as he weakened throughout the day. Finally, he motioned for me to lean near to him. I did so and heard him whisper, “Bales, my boy, don't you worry about me. I ain't gonna die 'til the very last minute.”

     My mother's last lucid words to me came in a brief moment when the clouds of Alzheimer's disease cleared and she said, “I love you.” She lived a few more days and died, leaving me with a beautiful memory.

     Since hearing James Lamb's delightful last words regarding me, “Get rid of him....” I have been pondering last words of some famous people. Before lapsing into a coma from which he never recovered, Winston Churchill said, “I'm bored with it all.”

     One of the most intriguing coincidences in American history is that both Thomas Jefferson and John Quincy Adams died on the Fourth of July in 1826. These former presidents had become good friends after they left office and entered their old age. When Adams spoke his last words, he spoke what must have been a consoling thought to him. He said, “Thomas Jefferson--still survives....” Actually, Jefferson had died earlier in the day. His last words were, “Is it the Fourth?”

     William Sydney Porter, better-known by his pen name, "O. Henry," native of Greensboro and master of the short story, said at the end, “Turn up the lights. I don't want to go home in the dark.” I agree with him. I want to go from light to light when I go.

     Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, nearing death, repeatedly said, “The best of all, God is with us.” And finally a simple, “Farewell.”

     By far, the most famous last words ever spoken were spoken by Jesus: “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”

     Here is a challenge for you.  If you were able to predetermine your last words, what would you want them to be?  If you are person of Christian faith, let this be a thing to ponder during this Lent.  And, as you contemplate Easter, remember that your last words will not ultimately be the last word!

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