Ok so we all know how these JW's pass these urban legend emails around passing them off as actually events.
I got one sent to me. It talks about how this one sister was dying she wanted to be buried with a fork in her hand because when she was at these congo get togethers they would say to keep your fork because dessert is coming. So since she will be resurrected in paradise the best is still to come. So she wanted everyone who walked by her open casket to see the fork in her hand and be reminded that the best is still to come.
Well I had heard that story previosuly on the internet some years ago. realted by some woman whose hope was to go to heaven, she wasn't a JW.
So with the help of Google. I found out that this was a short story written the book a 3rd helpin gof Chicken soup for the SOUL. ( good jw's shouldn't read any book with the word SOUL in the title)
So I emailed this person back explaining that I had read that story before in this book. LOL no response yet.
Link to real story http://www.ntu.edu.sg/home/hblim/reflections/fork.html
I copied the story below incase someone hasn't heard of it.
>"KEEP THE FORK"
>
>There was a young sister who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted an elder and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service talk, what scriptures she would like emphasized, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.
>
>Everything was in order and the elder was preparing to leave when our young sister suddenly remembered something very important to her.
>
>"There's one more thing," she said excitedly.
>
>"What's that?" came the elder's reply.
>
>"This is very important," our young sister continued.
>
>"I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."
>
>The elder stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.
>
>That surprises you, doesn't it?" our young sister asked.
>
>"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the elder.
>
>Our young sister explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from there on out, I have always done so. I have also, always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement.
>
>'In all my years of attending Christian gatherings and friendly dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!' So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?". Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork...the best is yet to come."
>
>The elder's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged our young sister good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her on this side of this system. But he also knew that our young sister had a better grasp of 'The New System' than he did. She had a better grasp of what paradise would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.
>
>At the funeral people were walking by our young sister's casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand.
>
>Over and over, the elder heard the question. "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.
>
>During his service talk, the elder told the friends of the conversation he had with our young sister shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. The elder told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.
>
>He was right.
>
>So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you ever so gently, that the best is yet to come.
>
>The Brotherhood is a very rare jewel, indeed. The friends make us smile and encourage us to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.
>
>Show the friends how much you care. Remember to always be there for them, even when you need them more. For you never know when it may be their time to "Keep your fork."
>
>Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share... showing Christian love is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility, and a Christian obligation.
>
>Send this to the FRIENDS, This illustration just shows us the importance of keeping "our eyes on the prize". Just remember to 'keep your fork'