Patience wiped her tears. "You've led a good life and have been kind and helpful to everyone you've dealt with. You've been a good friend, a good neighbor, and a faithful member of God's flock and your slate has been wiped clean by your belief and atonement for the few minor sins you have committed. God loves you, Mr. Franklin, and He gave his only begotten Son, in sacrifice, to atone for all the sins of all people on earth. You've earned your place in heaven and Elinor will be waiting to greet you, when you arrive."

My eyes became misty thinking of my love for Elinor. Oh, how I miss that wonderful woman! We had been mates, lovers and companions for more than fifty years. God had never blessed us with children, but we always had each other and although it left a lonely place in our hearts, we managed to live life to the fullest.

I wiped my eyes and walked out onto the front porch. Something drew me to the sidewalk and as I looked up the street, my heart gave a lurch. Two year old Timmie Marsh had ridden his tricycle into the street! I began to hobble toward him and then saw the racing car, pursued by a police car. Could I get there in time to scoop Timmie out of the way? I had to try. I hobbled into the street and grabbed Timmie. I looked up and knew this was my time. The car was right there and couldn't miss me. I threw Timmie toward the��curb and felt the jarring, crushing pain as the front of the speeding car hit me. Everything went black and my pain ceased. I was standing there looking down at my twisted and broken body.

Patience stood there beside me as tears flowed freely down her cheeks. She held her hand out toward me as people rushed to see what had happened. "You've done as God intended, Mr. Franklin."

I heard the babble of people's voices as though they were muffled and far away.

"...saved Timmie's life."

"...if he hadn't been here."

"Gave his life for Timmie."

"Poor Mr. Franklin."

I knew my life on earth had ended as I took Patience's offered hand. She gave me a loving hug and we began to rise into the morning sky. I felt a touch on my shoulder and there was Elinor, my loving, younger Elinor. I felt so happy to see my darling. She took my other hand and she kissed me.

We all continued our upward journey. I began to hear the beautiful music and saw the pure white light of God's love.

We will dwell in the house of Our Lord forever.