Waiting at the End of the Road
In October 1800, John Todd was born in Rutland, Vermont. Soon afterward, his parents moved to Killingsworth, Connecticut. When John was six years old both his parents died. A kind-hearted aunt in North Killingsworth agreed to give him a home, and brought him up until he left for college. In middle life his aunt because seriously ill and feared she would die. In great distress she wrote John a letter in which she asked what death would be like. Here is his reply:
It is now thirty-five years since I as a little boy of six was left quite alone in the world. You sent me word that you would give me a home and be a kind mother to me. I will never forget the day when I made the long journey of ten miles to your house in North Killingsworth. I can still remember my disappointment when instead of coming you sent Caesar to fetch me.
I well remember my tears and anxiety as perched high on your horse and clinging tight to Caesar I rode off to my new home. Night fell before we finished the journey, and as it grew dark, I became lonely and afraid. "Do you think she'll go to bed before we get there?" I asked Caesar anxiously. "Oh, no," he said, reassuringly. "She'll stay up for you. When we get out of this here woods, you'll see her candle shinin' in the window."
Presently, we did ride out into the clearing, and there, sure enough, was your candle. I remember you were waiting at the door, that you put your arms close about me and that you lifted me - a tired and bewildered little boy - down from the horse. You had a fire burning on the hearth, a hot supper waiting on the stove. After supper you took me to my room, heard me say my prayers, and then sat beside me till I fell asleep.
You probably realize why I am recalling all of this to your memory. Someday soon God will send for you to take you to a new home. Don't fear the summons, the strange journey or the dark messenger of death. God can be trusted to do as much for you as you were kind enough to do for me so many years ago. At the end of the road you will find love and a welcome awaiting and you will be safe in God's care. I shall watch you and pray for you till you are out of my sight and then wait for the day when I shall make the journey myself and find my Savior and you waiting at the end of the road to greet me.
June 2007