One Last Time

I had known and interacted with him for at least twenty years. It would be great if I could remember the first time I met him, but I shall never forget the LAST time I looked into his eyes. He was a staff pastor at our church with multiple assignments. Never have I met anyone more dedicated to his ministry. We were happy when he consented to take some extra time off. At first, it was announced that he would be on a 30-day sabbatical, but I'm not sure if anyone knew that his sabbatical would be interrupted. During that period, he had a medical appointment that proved very negative. Following that appointment, another announcement was made of his condition. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that was of the none-treatable variety. He was given a short time to live and we all took it very hard. It was decided that our church would have a celebration of his life before his demise. There were many people at the amazing service, but I was able to make eye contact with him and his family. I thought that was the closest I would come to saying goodbye to our beloved pastor. However, as I was driving out of the parking lot, I spotted him in his daughter's car engaged with others. I knew that this moment with him alive might be my LAST. So I stopped, and exiting my vehicle, I proceeded quickly and stooped my head through the window while he was speaking with someone else. I kissed him on the forehead and slowly walked away, sadly. That was the LAST time I touched him, the LAST time I saw him alive, but that affectionate moment will last a lifetime. 11272018PoSoupContest, The Last, Silent One; 2P