Beech Tree News Network

People's final words are fascinating. Generally, people don't know what words will be their last, making their final words even more interesting. MSN recently posted an article called “Famous Last Words.” The words of some famous people are listed below:

•    John F. Kennedy (http://www.kgbanswers.com/what-was-john-f-kennedys-last-words/11024507#i...):  “No, you certainly can’t." He was replying to the wife of Governor John Connelly, who had said, "You certainly can’t say that the people of Dallas haven’t given you a nice welcome, Mr. President.”

•    Robert F. Kennedy (http://www.recorder.com/home/6681556-95/doernermy-turn-this-time-they-ki...):  “Is everyone else all right?” spoken to his wife after he was shot.

•    Pablo Picasso (http://easelyspeaking.wordpress.com/2010/04/08/picasso-drink-to-me-drink...):  “Drink to Me, drink to my health, you know I can’t drink anymore.” He died while he and his wife were entertaining friends.

•    Elvis Presley (http://www.postchronicle.com/news/strange/Elvis_Presley_last_words_ OK_I_wont_20140611.shtml):  “OK, I won't.” His last conversation was with his fiancée, who was urging him not to fall asleep in the bathroom.

•    Diana, Princess of Wales (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-423165/Dianas-words-revealed-tim...):  “My God, what’s happened?” Diana asked paramedic Xavier Gourmelon.

•    Steve Jobs (http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/steve-jobss-last-words...):  “OH WOW. OH WOW. OH WOW,” as he looked over his family’s shoulders, past them.

•    Pope John Paul II (http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican_reveals_pope_john_paul_ii...):  “Let me go to the house of the Father.”

•    Mother Teresa (http://www.chacha.com/question/what-were-mother-teresa%27s-last-words): "Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I love you."

•    Babe Ruth (George Herman Ruth Jr.; http://www.likeablequotes.com/last-words-quotes-143.html):  “I'm going over the valley.” 

•    George Jones (http://tasteofcountry.com/george-jones-final-words/):  “Hiya. I’ve been looking for you. I’m George Jones.” His wife believes he was introducing himself to God.

Robert Kastenbaum said: “A person's last words may be treasured by family and friends even if there is nothing remarkable in their substance—these words will be remembered because they were the last” (http://www.deathreference.com/Ke-Ma/Last-Words.html). I agree. Memories of the last times I was with those I’ve lost are important to me. Although no extraordinary last words were expressed, I value those end-of-life memories.

I had not given a great deal of thought to end-of-life words before reading the comments above. And, though we don’t usually know which words will be our last, I’d like my final words to be kind. I can’t guarantee that will happen; but, my “spirit is willing” (Matthew 26:41, NIV).