Heavenly April Fool’s Joke

By Jerry Reynolds

Carl had fought in wars and seen dead people and others a few moments away from dying. He had often wondered what was on their minds in that long, last stare. Now it was his turn. What an ironic dark comedy! Dying on April Fool's Day. Carl wanted to be cremated, but now he wondered if he would need an example of what he looked like? Would he look like anything? Or would he be an idea or an essence? He had always heard it said, “He is with the angels now, looking down on us from above.” Never seemed like much of a blessing to Carl, more like a punishment. You go to heaven and watch everybody you love screwing up.

A heavenly April Fool’s joke.

Stepping out of the elevator with flowers in his hand, David thought, ‘I can’t make this decision today. It’s April first. One more day won’t make a difference. The doctor said he was not in any pain. I can’t kill my dad on April Fools' Day.’

At the nurses’ station, David met the doctor. Placing a hand on his shoulder, the doctor said, “Your father passed peacefully a few moments ago.” Stunned but not surprised, remembering his dad had always said, ‘Death, expected or not, is always untimely when it happens.’ David thought, ‘That’s just like him. The old rascal had a kick-ass sense of humor. He gave that to me. Thanks, Dad.’