Duncan's Farewell

"Duncan's Farewell" is a mini-story that is part of the EMPATH: The Luckiest Smurf story series.

The Story
It was around the time of Duncan McSmurf's 769th year of living that Empath and his remaining fellow Smurfs knew that he was starting to lose his health. His wife Brenda, his two children Malcolm and Gillian, his grandchildren, and his friend Tapper were with him every step of the way to help him survive as long as he could while he prepared for his final journey. Duncan felt as if this was going to be his last battle, and while he may ultimately lose it in the physical world, he is looking forward to the reward he will gain in the life to come.

Then on the day of Highland Day, Empath and Tapper both sensed that Duncan's final battle has come to an end, and that he would join with his Creator and Savior in heaven. His wife, his two children, and his grandchildren all gathered around Duncan's bed as he made his farewells to them.

"I know that the Almighty has smurfed me with a good wife and wonderful children that will carry on in my smurf when I am gone, my sweet bonnie lassie," Duncan said as he spoke to his wife Brenda. "You will smurf after them when I am gone, knowing that the spirit of the McSmurfs is within you to smurf them on the straight and narrow."

"You will not need to worry about me anymore, my handsome brave laddie, for I am pleased to have smurfed your children into the world and to be the grandmother of another generation of McSmurfs," Brenda said, trying hard not to weep as she took Duncan into her arms and kissed him for one last time.

Empath and Tapper watched from a distance. "With every Smurf of our generation that passes from this world, it feels like we're losing a close brother or sister," Empath said to Tapper.

"For those who know the Almighty's Son as their Lord and Savior, it is only but a brief farewell, knowing that they will smurf each other again in the world to come, my fellow Empath," Tapper said.

"I know that you want me so much to become part of that kingdom to come, Tapper, but I still feel like I'm not ready to commit myself and surrender to the Almighty," Empath said.

"That will come only at the time the Almighty Himself has appointed, but for now I will continue to pray for you and my remaining fellow Smurfs that they will also know Him in a very intimate way with the peace that surpasses all undersmurfing," Tapper said.

After Duncan's wife, children, and grandchildren have departed, Empath and Tapper both approached Duncan at his bedside. "How are you feeling knowing that your time to be with the Almighty is at hand, my friend?" Tapper asked.

"I feel so much at peace that I couldn't express it in words, laddie," Duncan said. "I have you to thank for caring so much about my soul that I would surrender my life unto Him."

"I am but a mere servant of the Almighty, smurfing what was my duty to smurf," Tapper said. "You have always been my friend and my brother, even if you are a McSmurf and I am an Ailill. I will never forget or regret those times when you smurfed up for me while I was too weak to smurf up for myself."

"Not all wars and battles are fought with swords, laddie," Duncan said, smiling as he looked at his friend one last time in this life. "I am glad that where I go, there will be no more wars or battles to fight. I will smurf you again at the time you will join the Almighty in heaven."

"Farewell, my fellow Duncan, and may God be with you always," Tapper said as he gave Duncan a hug.

Then came Empath's turn to say goodbye. "You must be disappointed that your friend hasn't returned to see you after all those years of waiting for him to return, Duncan," Empath said.

"Nay, for he has returned at the hour of my passing, and though it has smurfed my whole life to wait for his return, I am not ashamed, for I will smurf from this life knowing that he is now here where you smurf, Empathy Smurf...or should I call you, Eamon Dunbar Smurf?" Duncan said.

"Empathy is fine, for that is what I feel who I really am, Duncan," Empath said. "I will never forget any of the lessons you have taught me about being a Smurf. I am always your friend and your brother, and I will be pleased to know that you have not smurfed your whole life in vain for me."

Duncan laughed weakly, knowing his breath was getting shorter. "Empathy Smurf...welcome back...my brother...and my friend."

And then Duncan closed his eyes and fell asleep for the last time.

To be expanded on.