He knew that, unless God intervened, his days on this earth were numbered, so he was looking forward to being released from the hospital to return to his home and the beautiful view overlooking Lake Ann in Bella Vista, AR.
He loved this place where, from time to time he would see an eagle or two fly by, or roost in one of the trees outside his study window. And the gazebo at the foot of the winding cart-path that led to the lake, well, that had become one of his favorite places of meditation and inspiration.
He was grateful that the doctor had finally released him to return home on Thursday, July 29, and as he was “rolled” though the door he saw overhead a big Welcome Home banner as Shirley and all the children, and many of the grandchildren, gathered round. He was home!
Home! Well, yes and no. What none of them knew was that the ticket was being printed out in heaven for Avery’s final flight that very night. The millions of miles he had flown around this globe we call earth could not begin to compare with the 5 AM flight he was about to take, and he didn’t have to go through any check-in or security procedures. His name had, years before, been registered in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and he already had his “Eternal Security” clearance!
As I look at what was his earthly home, about 50 feet away from where Patricia and I live, it is, however, still surreal. I would not be surprised to hear him call out a greeting from the porch swing where he used to sit. I know he won’t. He has made his final flight. But that’s OK. We all have that flight to look forward to. One of these days, we’ll all be together again. So really, it is not “Goodbye,” but rather, “Au revoir,” or, “Auf wiedersehn,” Until we meet again!!