Keep Your Fork 566.3
When a pessimist is told there's light at the end of the tunnel, he's likely to assume it's an onrushing train. According to journalist Sydney Harris, "A cynic is not merely one who reads bitter lessons from the past; he's prematurely disappointed in the future."
Pessimism and cynicism are fashionable these days, but it's the people who see and celebrate the positive aspects of life who live best.
According to a well-traveled story, when Tillie died in her nineties, her friends were taken aback when they viewed her body and noticed a fork in her right hand. Tillie knew this would provoke questions so she had instructed her pastor to give anyone who asked about the fork a copy of a signed note that read:
"I'm glad you asked about the fork. I've been to lots of church socials and potluck dinners in my life, and one thing I've noticed is when the dishes and flatware for the main course are being cleared, someone usually says, 'Keep your fork.' I loved that part because I knew dessert, the best part of dinner, was coming. So even as I pass from this life, I wanted a fork in my hand to remind you the best is yet to come."
British wit Samuel Johnson called hope a species of happiness. To the extent we can discipline ourselves to choose our attitudes, it only makes sense to think positively and be hopeful.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Comments
My wife and I were at the Grand Canyon and called home to tell of the beauty we were seeing - only to find out her grandmother had very unexpectedly passed away within an hour before our call. We came home in time for the services. We were shocked when we showed up to the funeral home and said our goodbyes, and a cousin placed a fork in Grandma's hand. We didn't understand and that wasn't the right moment to ask. Later we heard this same story, and it all made sense. Gram always kept her fork after dinner but wanted a clean plate for dessert!
When my time comes, I'm taking a fork with me as well, and I look forward to sharing a slice of the magic angel food ice cream cake with her that she was famous for...God Bless You Grandma.
Posted by: Andrew | May 14, 2008 11:25 AM
I loved the story of the fork. I have always said that the very best meals in the world are church socials and potluck dinners. I intend to start carrying a fork along with me everywhere I go. So "whenever" I will be ready :)
Posted by: Francene Mattucci | May 15, 2008 6:38 PM
This story reminds me of a co-worker who was a big Don Meredith fan. Don had a phrase on Monday Night Football when a game was all but over except for the clock running out: "Stick a fork in it, this game's done." When this co-worker passed away, his epitaph was "Stick a fork in me, I'm done." He also left explicit instructions that a life-sized cake be made and as we all filed past it we were to stick a fork in it! Funniest guy I ever knew - even in death.
Posted by: Kimo | May 15, 2008 6:40 PM