Carleen Cairns
Contributing Commentator for ST. MARY'S TODAY

--- President Ronald W. Reagan, January 28, 1986, after the loss of the Challenger crew.

Ronald Reagan being sworn in as the 40th President of the United States. 
Photo courtesy of Reagan Library

Journey's End

By Carleen Cairns
Contributing Commentator for ST. MARY'S TODAY

Heaven---June 5, 2004, 3:55 P.M., E.T. The only sounds that could be heard were the fluttering of wings, as the angels flew over for one last look.

Below them they saw the old soldiers, once again young, lining the streets standing proud and tall.
Glenn Miller stood with baton in hand; ready to lead the heavenly band in Moonlight Serenade. When the angels approached the throne room, they saw a crown polished to reflect all the glories of Heaven, the chariot of God had already left the heavenly realm.
Everything stood ready.
Just a short five minutes later, a tall handsome man with a spring in his step and a sparkle in his eye entered the gates of Heaven led by the hand of God.
The new arrival was led straight to the throne room where the crown was placed on his head and the words,
"A race well run and a job well done my good and faithful servant" could be heard.
As the new arrival turned to face the assembled group, a cheer shook Heaven, Ronald Reagan had returned home. I know as a Christian I should never speculate on who enters Heaven and who enters Hell, for only God knows the heart of the ones He created. Yet over the years, I have learned that the way someone dies says a lot about the fate which awaits them. I know in my heart of hearts that God Himself brought Ronald Reagan home.
For the first time in many days Ronald Reagan opened his eyes to say goodbye to the one who stood by his side for many years. His eyes did not reflect his illness or pain, only peace and joy. They were the eyes of one touched by the hand of God.
In Ronald Reagan, we saw a man who knew he was on a mission; he knew why he was created and what he was to do with the talents God bestowed on him. Ronald Reagan was able to stand and look any man in the eye that kind of assurance only comes when one has spent time on their knees. Reagan did not walk around carrying a 50-pound Bible under his arm, positioned just right for the cameras, he simply walked the walk.
Many Reagan critics bring up the fact that Reagan seldom attended church while occupying the White House. This was done for security reasons; President Reagan did not like imposing on other church goers so he could have a photo op. You don't need to spend every Sunday in church to have a relationship with God. In fact, far too many of us spend hours in a church only to forget the lessons learned when we leave. The critics also neglect to mention all the years Reagan did attend church on a regular basis and was even a Sunday School teacher at one time.
The Bible tells us we will be known by our light, Ronald Reagan glowed. He lit up a room like every few people I have known. I had the opportunity to be in the same room with Reagan on several different occasions and he was electrifying, yet a very humble person. When he addressed those assembled, you felt as if he was speaking right to you. But most of all, I was struck by the sparkle in his eyes. If the eyes are the window to the soul, his eyes gave a brilliant view.
Ronald was never afraid to call evil exactly what it was; evil. Only one who knows goodness can recognize evil. Reagan never shied away from a showdown, for he knew on whose side he stood. He never sold out or compromised his beliefs. He possessed a backbone of steel, but had compassion for those who truly required compassion. He led with dignity and integrity. He left this earth a better place because of his presence.
Ronald Reagan never had to worry or search for his legacy; he simply conducted himself with a deep faith, class and style. When you walk the path God has laid out for you; you don't need to worry about your legacy for it was already written before the foundations of the earth.
On Saturday June 5, 2004 at 4:00 P.M., E.T. Ronald Wilson Reagan "slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God." No words can express the deep grief and loss that this nation feels; yet I know President Reagan is dancing with angels.
Thank you President Reagan for who you were and what you leave behind.