Fred was in the hospital, near death, so
the family sent for his pastor.
As the pastor stood beside the bed,
Fred’s frail condition grew worse, and he motioned frantically for something to write
on.
The pastor lovingly handed him a pen and
piece of paper, and Fred used his last ounce of strength to scribble a note. Then he
died.
The pastor thought it best not to look at
the note just then, so he slipped it into his jacket pocket.
Several days later, at the funeral, the
pastor delivered the eulogy. He realized that he was wearing the same jacket that
he’d worn the day Fred died.
"You know," he said,
"ol' Fred handed me a note just before he died. I haven’t read it, but
knowing Fred, I’m sure there’s a word of inspiration there for us all."
He unfolded the note and read aloud,
"You’re standing on my oxygen tube!"
