by Rebecca D. Higgins

After the lockdowns of Covid, a very different work opportunity from what I had done in the past opened up as families chose to keep their elderly loved ones at home and needed help to care for them. It has been my privilege to provide dignity and compassionate care for a number of individuals suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, debilitative illnesses, and even a stroke survivor. Several I have had the honor to help “walk them home” and make their final days here on earth as comfortable as possible. Duane was one of those precious individuals who suffered from the effects of Alzheimer’s. I was amazed, however, at how insightful he sometimes was even then. He was a gentleman and the epitome of kindness. His love for the Lord shone through even to the very end.

Duane’s favorite place to be was sitting on the front porch, and I enjoyed many hours with him there. Sometimes he would nap a bit, and at other times he would look around with a smile and sense of wonder on his face as he took in the beauty of the varied colors of leaves, the butterflies and birds flitting by, the deer and turkeys that wandered across the yard, and the play of sunlight across the lawn as it filtered through the trees. “This is it!” he would declare as he waved his arms to take in the scene. “It’s beautiful! God did all this!” And I would agree! I often felt, however, as we sat on the porch that what Duane saw went beyond the yard to the beauty that is to come.

When we would make trips into town for various appointments, along the way Duane would frequently get confused as to where he was; but the minute we turned into the winding lane and he saw the house with the front porch through the trees, he had instant recognition. He was home!

On a rainy Sunday night in August 2024, as Duane was making his final journey, I believe he looked up and saw the Father come out onto the front porch of heaven to welcome him, and he had no question as to where he was! He was finally HOME!

I know that we use earthly metaphors to describe heaven because it goes beyond what our finite minds can begin to comprehend or imagine. I think that’s okay since Jesus himself used the metaphor of a house with many rooms, and somehow I think there just might be a front porch!

After Duane’s passing, I couldn’t help thinking about what he was experiencing and what he might tell those who mourned his absence. The following poem is the result:

The View from Here

If you could see what I see now,
You’d look upon His face;
You’d bow your knees in gratitude
For mercy and for grace;
You’d marvel at the beauty that
Is far beyond compare–
The Tree of Life, the crystal sea,
The saints all gathered there.
You’d stand with me and sing His praise
Forever without end
For Christ who gave His life to be
Our Savior and our Friend,
So whosoever will may come
By faith to enter in
The home prepared by God himself
Who’s cleansed us from all sin.
If I could make just one more wish,
I’d wipe away your tear
And bring you home to heaven’s porch
To see the view from here.
(RDH–August 23, 2024)