A dear friend and coworker in our local hospice program was reminiscing with me recently about the deaths of a few of her patients. They remained clear in her mind because each of them had told her about seeing heaven.
In each instance she noticed a very real physical change in them from her previous visit and told them so. They exhibited a peacefulness they did not have before. She told them that the fear was gone from their faces and in its place was a new calm and joy. And they wanted to tell her all about why that was.
She sat on their beds attentively, anxious to hear their stories. They told her heaven was a place so beautiful with music so grand and flowers so colorful, they were impossible to describe. They said they felt safe and knew they would be fine when they finally returned there for eternity.
The most interesting thing was that these patients explained what they saw and experienced using the very same words. They did not know each other and it made my friend think about the reality of a place called paradise, the kingdom of heaven Jesus spoke about so often.
When hospice nurses gather together, these stories come rolling out of their mouths more often than not. Many nurses—not only those in hospice care—write to thank me for telling “their” stories, ones they themselves have heard so often in emergency rooms, ICU units, hospital rooms and ambulances. God assures us of his love and presence so often, if only we are paying attention.
