The hospital room filled with quiet sobbing and the rhythmic machine displaying the patient beating heart.
On the deathbed in the hospital lies 75-year-old Thomas Aldridge, plagued by prostate cancer. His breathing is shallow, his hands and feet cold, and his skin takes on a bluish tint."
Thomas's wife, Katherine sat on a chair next to her husband death bed clasping his left hand with both hands to keep him warm, tears streaming down her face, she knew her beloved husband has a good chance of dying today. As Thomas doctor informed the family a few hours ago, that the patient might not make it through today.
Aside from Katherine, Thomas's 2 sons and daughter are here to send off their father.
Mark, the oldest son, sat at the far end of the of the room, his gaze focused on his father worn face. His jaw clenched, fighting the tears but couldn't contain it as tears come out, heart feeling heavy and weary.
Ben, the second son, his eyes gazed at the hospital floor, unable to come to terms that his father, the person who been his hero all his life is leaving this world. The reminiscent of his memories with his father from childhood until now, Ben couldn't help but choke up and his heart beating so fast as it's about to pop out of his body.
Rachel the youngest, sat at the right side of her father's bed, both of her hands feeling her the coldness of his skin. She had always been the stoic one, but she was the first one to break down, hearing that her father may pass today.
She whispered a prayer under her breath, holding on to the hope that somehow, some way, her father would wake up, would open his eyes and smile at her once more.
Rachel teary face looked at her mother weathered face.
"Mother, Father will make it through today. There's no way he's dying today," she said, her voice thick with anguish.
Katherine heart ached seeing her daughter in pain, she looked over at Mark and Ben, their face slightly hopeful awaiting their mother answer.
As Katherine was about to answer.
Thomas spoke, his voice barely audible.
"My... family," Thomas rasped, the effort of speaking clearly visible in the strain of his chest. His eyes fluttered open, the warmth gaze that cut through the room's sorrow.
Katherine's breath caught in her throat, her grip on his hand tightening as tears streamed down her face. "Husband," she whispered, leaning closer to hear him.
Mark, Ben, and Rachel froze, their attention snapping to their father. For a moment, it was as if time itself had paused, the rhythmic beeping of the monitor the only sound accompanying their father's fragile voice.
Thomas's lips moved slowly, each word requiring immense effort.
"Let's...have..one..last..family...prayer," he whispered.
The room was heavy with somber stillness as Katherine braced herself, knowing her husband would ask for a prayer. Steadying her voice, she looked at her children, her hand still clasping Thomas's, and said softly, "Let us pray the Lord's Prayer together."
Mark, Ben, and Rachel lifted their tear-streaked faces, nodding in unison. They joined hands, forming a circle around the bed, with Katherine and Rachel letting go their father's hand.
Thomas slowly traced the sign of the cross with his trembling right hand—from his forehead, to the center of his chest, then to his left and right shoulders. His movements were deliberate and unhurried, and as he smiled, he noticed his family mirroring his pace, forming the cross alongside him.
Katherine began, her voice resolute:
"Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be Thy name.Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done,on earth as it is in heaven."
Mark's voice joined hers, strong and deep, though strained with emotion. Ben's followed, shaky at first, but gaining strength. Rachel's soft, tear-choked voice was the last to join, creating a harmonious echo in the room.
"Give us this day our daily bread,and forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil."
Katherine's grip tightened on Thomas's hand as she finished, her voice breaking on the last line:
"For Thine is the kingdom,and the power,and the glory,forever and ever. Amen."
The final word lingered in the air, a sacred offering of hope and surrender. Tears streamed down their faces, their hearts heavy but unified in faith.
Flashback of memories came flowing in Thomas mind.
At age 7, Thomas stood with his parents in the small country church, the light from the stained glass painting the room in vibrant hues. He remembered gripping his father's hand tightly as the pastor preached about the Good Shepherd. "Jesus will never leave you, Thomas," his father whispered. It was the first time he truly felt the presence of the Lord, a moment that would shape his life forever.
At age 15, he walked down the aisle of that same church, his heart pounding with conviction. It was his baptism day, and as the pastor dipped him into the cool water, Thomas emerged with a new sense of purpose. The words of Matthew 28:19 rang in his ears: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." He promised himself that he would live a life worthy of Christ's calling.
At age 25, he stood at the altar, watching Katherine walk toward him, her white dress glowing like a vision of God's grace. "I promise to lead this family in Christ," he vowed, the words etched deeply into his soul. Their marriage became a covenant, not just with each other, but with God.
At age 29, he held Mark for the first time, the tiny baby swaddled in a blue blanket. Tears streamed down his face as he prayed over his son, dedicating Mark's life to the Lord. "You will grow strong in faith," Thomas whispered, "and walk in His light."
At age 34, Ben entered the world, quieter and more introspective than his older brother. Thomas would sit beside Ben's crib, reading Psalms aloud. "The Lord is your shepherd, Ben," he'd say. "You shall not want."
At age 37, Rachel was born, a perfect blessing and the completion of their family. Thomas marvelled at her delicate features and felt God's immense love reflected in her tiny smile. "Daughter of God," he called her, "you are fearfully and wonderfully made."
At age 50, he knelt beside Mark, handing him a Bible engraved with his name. "This book is your weapon and your shield," he said. "Carry it with you always."
At age 55, he prayed with Ben before his first job interview, placing a hand on his son's shoulder. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart," he said, quoting Proverbs 3:5. "He will direct your paths."
At age 58, he watched Rachel stand at the podium during her college graduation. "To my father," she said, her voice breaking, "who taught me the love of Christ and the value of faith.
Thomas's lips moved faintly, though no sound came. It was clear he was mouthing "Amen," his spirit clinging to the final act of devotion.
Then, his body relaxed, a serene stillness overtaking him. The monitor let out a prolonged, mournful beep.
Thomas Aldridge had passed on, his family's prayer carrying his soul to eternal rest.