Grandfather and grandson talking together, as grandfather reaches the end of his life.

Cast:

Grandpa - Male, 70s, experiencing health problems

Tom - Grandson, Teenage boy

Props: Oxygen tank, Easy chair, small stool or ottoman for Tom to sit on.

Tom: You wouldn't believe it grandpa! It was sweet! I caught a 3 pound, 8 ounce bass! I had to fight with him for like 10 minutes to get him to the boat, and Dad had to scoop him up with the big net. I did just what you said: Don't fight him, but turn his head back to you. Man did he fight, though. Every time I got him going towards the boat, he'd try to turn away. And you told me to wear him out, and he did. Finally, he couldn't turn away from the boat, anymore. It was really cool, too, 'cause when he was like 10 feet from the boat, he did a big old tail walk. I thought he was gonna throw the lure right then and there. But, we got him!

Grandpa (with some difficulty): That's great, Tom. You're turning into a real fisherman, just like your old grandpa.

Tom: I can't wait until you're back out there with us. I really miss having you along. Not that Dad isn't cool and all, but..

Grandpa: (chuckling) I know what you mean. (more serious) But, I think my fishing days are over.

Tom: Oh, come on, Grandpa. I know it takes a lot of work to stay balanced in that little boat, but, we can at least fish from the dock, right?

Grandpa: No, Tom, I don't think you understand. I'm not going to be around much longer.

Tom (a bit of shock): Where are you going?

Grandpa: (pause) To heaven, Tom. This old body is failing me, and the doctors have told me I don't have much time left, here.

Tom:(distressed) No, grandpa! You can't!

Grandpa: Now, now, Tom. This is all a part of life. Don't talk like this is something awful that's happening to me. I've lived a long life, and it's time for me to go to a better place.

Tom: But...

Grandpa: Now, I've taught you a lot of good lessons over the years, haven't I? (Tom nods) Well, this may be the last one. So listen. I know you're going to miss me. I'm going to miss you, too. But there comes a time in everyone's life when they die. But, if they know Jesus Christ as their savior, it's not a bad thing. This old aging body will die, but I will live forever. It's ok for you to grieve over me for a time. But don't think I'm in need of pity, and don't be mad at God for taking me. I'm going to where I'm supposed to be. Don't forget that, OK?

Tom: (sad) OK.

Grandpa: OK. Enough of this talk. (both pause)

Tom: Grandpa, what's heaven like?

Grandpa: Well, we don't really know. God doesn't tell us much about it. I think it's a place where there are no tears, no sorrow, no pain. A place where we know God's love more closely than we could ever know it on earth. (Tom is distracted imagining what grandpa is talking about, grandpa start looking upwards, like he "sees the light") A place of beauty, of light, where praises to God never stop. Where we can see the Son of God in all his splendor. And where we can worship him. A place as wonderful as you can imagine. (Take last breath, close eys. MICROPHONE OFF.)

Tom: I can only imagine it, grandpa.

(Look and realize he's not responding.)

Tom: Grandpa?

(shake his arm)

Tom: Grandpa! Grandpa!!

(pause, realizing he's gone)

Tom: Grandpa? What's heaven like?

(lights out)