The Last Time

“The last time I saw Paris her heart was young and gay. I heard the laughter of her heart…”

I’ve never been to Paris, France so the city itself means no more than an item of geography to me. However, I’ writing this post as a memoriam to my husband and when the idea first came to me, these lyrics were the next thing to enter my brain.

Dean went to sleep in his recliner in Elko, NV and woke up in Heaven. What a trip! As beautifully as the songwriter pictures Paris, the Bible’s picture of Heaven is much more glorious.

As the days have progressed since Dean left this planet, there have been many memories of “the last time” we did this or travelled there, etc. Even the trip to Salt Lake City and points east to Wyoming where we buried Dean’s ashes beside his folks was a reminder of “the last time” because we were together the last time I was on that portion of I-80.  In fact, for a while, anywhere I travel from Elko will be a reminder of  "the last time”.

It’s a no-brainer that birthdays, holidays and anniversaries of varying sorts will also dredge up memories of “the last time.” Those memories may bring nostalgic tears but that’s OK because they were celebrations of  joyous times, a time marker experienced together.

As I have thought about the various “last times” with Dean, the only regret I have in some cases is the fact that I didn’t know it was the last time. Life is that way and I don’t doubt that it’s a good thing when we have no inkling a shared experience is the “last time.”

Therefore, I would advise my friends and family members, as well as myself: Totally enjoy each of those together times and never take them for granted. Quoting a portion of Sarah Young’s devotional for August 13 in Jesus Calling, she urges her readers to “walk through [your] day with child-like delight, savoring every blessing.”

“The last time I saw Paris her heart was young and gay. No matter how they change her I’ll remember her that way.”

So my Sweet Babboo, whenever I experience something that makes me think of “the last time”, I’ll remember you the way you were then—and know I was blessed.