One of the prayers I often make in church worship services and also  in private is a petition of the Lord to protect and bless those, “who serve the public good.”  That phrase means so many people–including military, public servants, doctors, nurses, EMT’s, air traffic controllers and so many more.  It also means firefighters.

It is so tragic what has happened with those 19 firefighters, the brave “Hotshots” who were killed this week while trying to save a city in the Yarnell Hill Fire.  This morning I read  one of the widow’s recount of the last text messages she had with her husband.

Juliann said she sent her husband a photo of their four children, all under 6, swimming. Juliann told “Today” that Andrew replied that he missed and loved them. He also asked his wife to tell their oldest son that he was proud of him for speaking at their church and that he was sorry he had missed it.

I love that this man, who is a hero, had his family on his mind as his last thoughts.  I love that he was communicating to his wife about his love and pride he has for his children.  I love that he referenced something recent he was proud of his son for doing.  I love that apparently church and faith were a part of their life.  The things that really matter always rise to the top when eternity is in perspective.

The article made me wonder what my last words or texts would be to my family if I knew my life were coming to an end.  Here is what I think I might say to my wife:

honey i love u.  being ur husband is the best–thx 4 giving me a gr8t life.

To my daughters I think I would send them both one text together:

i am proud of you both.  learn, serve, and love–and always put Jesus 1st.  enjoy life, it is a gift.

Then I would likely send another series of texts to all three of them:

i am the luckiest man in the world

don’t give my books away

safeguard the chckn n dressing recipe.

the car needs gas.

And then probably as death comes, my last thought would be, probably, the four of us playing Monopoly or spades or watching a movie or something.