My husband and I sometimes have quirky humor play-fights that resort to playful tit-for-tat battles. When we were updating and finalizing our wills, which took a year to finish, the Hubby noted that he dropped our signed legal documents off, but playfully said he added a notation for me: “I, (Janet) of sound mind want to be buried in a pink flowery dress.”
First of all, I don’t dislike pink on other people. Secondly, I love flowers, but don’t happen to have any clothes with a flower print. Therefore, the husband was just trying to ruffle my feathers. On one occasion, when Hubby was teasing me in front of our grown daughters, I said my last dying words to them would be, “Puh-lease — not the pink flower dress.”
I was thinking about last words this week when I got sidetracked.
Moments before dying in a Paris hotel in 1900, Oscar Wilde’s last words reportedly were, “This wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. Either it goes or I do.”
Actor Humphrey Bogart, who died in 1957 is said to have uttered, “I should have never switched from Scotch to martinis.”
Thomas Alva Edison’s last words were, “It is very beautiful over there.”
Steve Job’s final words were, “OH WOW, OH WOW. OH WOW.” This was most accurate because it was delivered at his funeral by Job’s sister, Mona Simpson, an eyewitness.
Whether I have words in my final hours or not, I don’t really think I’ll be focused on that pink flowery dress — but on the love, hope and peace that was offered in my life and in my death.
What I had been studying before I got sidetracked was the final seven statements of Jesus as he was hanging on the cross for six hours. Documented by numerous eyewitnesses:
“Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43
“Dear Woman, here is your son, Son, here is your mother.” John 19:26-27
“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.” Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34
“I am thirsty.” John 19:28
“It is finished.” John 19:30
“Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit.” Luke 23:46
In his deity and humanity, Jesus’ profound statements have profound implications on our lives.
Happy Easter.
He is risen. He is risen indeed.
Janet Hommel Mangas grew up on the east side of Greenwood. The Center Grove area resident and her husband are the parents of three daughters. Send comments to [email protected].
