I’m rarely at a loss for words, but for a moment tonight, I was overwhelmed beyond words.

It started early Sunday morning when I received the call that one of our church members…one of my friends, had past away.  This was not the call I ever expected to say the very least.  It caught me off guard, and it totally changed the landscape of our typical Sunday service.  Sadness and tears filled our sanctuary.

Sunday was tough, but we knew that we had to say ‘goodbye’ to him later this week.

Today was that day.

As we arrived at the funeral home, we were greeted with many others from out church family.  Each mourning in their own way.  I was still trying to process this whole situation even through the service itself.  But what happened after the service, sent cold chills down my back in such a way that I will never, ever forget.

As the funeral attenders were filing out, we found ourselves gathering outside the front door of the funeral home.  You see, my friend was a First Responder.  His entire life was helping others.  And he loved every bit of it.  Lining the street were first responder vehicles, each with lights flashing.  Directly in the front door, was an ambulance, one in which my friend had served.

We were told as we stood outside that soon the first responders would issue a ‘Last Call’ for my friend.

I had absolutely no idea what that meant.

Suddenly, the sirens sounded.  And someone…a teammate…inside the ambulance, keyed the mic.

I was not prepared for what happened next.

HERE is the LAST CALL for my friend, Chris.  You are welcomed to experience this as well.

At that moment, words failed me.

It is my simplest prayer, that when God chooses to call me home, that someone will stand and say …”Rest easy brother.  We’ll take it from here.”

Goodnight Chris.  You will never be forgotten.