A Life's Work Fulfilled

This morning's paper carried an interesting story about a dying teen's unusual request to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

15-year-old John Halgrim did not wish for what most young dying individuals would wish for. He did not wish to meet his favorite soccer players, or go to an opulent resort in the Bahamas where he could swim among the dolphins.

Instead, John wished for a legacy that would enable orphaned children in Africa have a bed and a roof over their heads.

This incredible young man's incredible wish was born of his astounding journey of faith.

What really amazed me was the scope and maturity of John's vision. His altruism was of the purest sort.

The 15-year-old boy never got to see the Nairobi orphanage that was built and that now bears his name.

But he died having fulfilled a major life work, and in doing so, he gave hope to many homeless African orphans.

If only the rest of the world had the courage to follow through with such a noble vision.

And if only the rest of us would be blessed with knowing our life work and being brave enough to carry that life work to completion, even if that completion may take beyond the grave.