A Life Well Lived: The Final Days of C.S. Lewis
On a typical Sunday morning, July 14, 1963, C.S. Lewis was not feeling well enough to attend church. This marked the beginning of a series of events that would lead to his eventual passing. Lewis’s health had been declining for some time, and with his brother Warnie no longer able to assist him with his correspondence, he turned to Walter Hooper for help.
A New Chapter
Hooper, who had been a fan of Lewis’s work, had recently arrived at the Kilns, Lewis’s home in Oxford. Lewis asked Hooper if he would be willing to serve as his private secretary, and after some discussion, Hooper agreed to take on the role. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Lewis’s life, one that would be marked by both joy and suffering.
A Sudden Turn
The next day, Monday, July 15, Lewis suffered a heart attack and fell into a coma. His condition was so severe that he was given extreme unction by Rev. Michael Watts of the Church of St Mary Magdalen. However, in a surprising turn of events, Lewis woke up and asked for a cup of tea.
A Period of Suffering
Despite this initial improvement, Lewis’s health continued to decline. He suffered from nightmares, hallucinations, and disorientation, interspersed with moments of lucidity. This period of suffering lasted for several weeks, during which time he was visited by many of his friends, including J.R.R. Tolkien and Douglas Gresham.
A Final Project
During this time, Lewis was working on his final book, Letters to Malcolm. The book was a collection of letters that explored the nature of prayer and faith. Lewis’s writing was heavily influenced by his own experiences of suffering and doubt.
A Lasting Legacy
C.S. Lewis passed away on November 22, 1963, just a week shy of his 65th birthday. His death was overshadowed by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which occurred on the same day. However, Lewis’s legacy has endured, and his writing continues to inspire and challenge readers around the world.
A Fitting Tribute
Lewis’s gravestone bears the inscription “Men must endure their going hence,” a quote from Shakespeare’s King Lear. This phrase reflects Lewis’s own attitude towards death and suffering, which he saw as an inevitable part of life. Despite the challenges he faced, Lewis remained steadfast in his faith, and his writing continues to be a testament to his enduring spirit.
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