I’ve had the privilege of writing articles in this newspaper for 30 years. People have asked me how I think of things to write about every week.

My answer is that I always have a hard time when I think about what I want to write. It’s always easy when I’m sensitive to the Holy Spirit and am aware of the people He puts in my life and their activities.

Such was the case Saturday morning when I attended the wake of Mrs. Ethel Deroche Zeringue of Lutcher. Mrs. Zeringue’s daughter, Renee Waguespack (Larry) shared something with me. She said, “Mr. Harold, the day Mama died, I was at adoration that morning and asked God to allow her to go home peacefully and soon, without her suffering.

“As I visited her later that day, she requested a little vanilla ice cream. When I left to go to the house for a while, I told her I’d be back. Before I could see her again, I got the news that she had died with my brothers, Norman and Brent, at her bedside.”

As Renee shared she said, “This will make you laugh. I told God I wanted to be with her at the end and God said, ‘You should be more specific when you pray. You only asked for a peaceful, pain-free departure for your mom.’”

I called Renee the next day and asked for permission to share our conversation. She told me how her mother was not only ready, but was prepared to go home and be with her husband, Norman.

She had her burial policy readily available, with instructions. She listed the people who were to be pallbearers. She wanted a bouquet of yellow and white roses or yellow and white lilies. (The family saw to it that she had both.)

She also listed a few songs she would like — “Amazing Grace,” “On Eagles Wings,” “Here I Am Lord,” “Look Beyond,” “Be Not Afraid” and “For Everything There Is A Time.”

For the Gospel reading she chose Luke 12:35-40.

The only instruction Mrs. Ethel left for Renee, her sons, Norman (Debbie) and Brent (Joan), and their families was to love each other as she had loved them. She also thanked them for a wonderful family.

This conversation with Renee has three messages — Be specific when you pray, be prepared before you meet your Creator and enjoy the journey toward eternity.

Mrs. Ethel’s life should be an example to all of us.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail hkeller@comcast.net.