Murphy was 70 years old and had worked 80 hours a week all his life and never had a holiday. His children were all married and his wife had died. One rainy afternoon, leaving the church, he was hit by a bolt of lightning. Within in a split second, he drops dead and sees St Peter just outside the pearly gates.

Looking distressed, St Peter says....

"Tis a terrible shame Mr. Murphy, .... we are  so sorry.  We made a wee mistake.....that bolt of lightning was not meant for you.  You're not due here for another 20 years!  You've got to go back!"

Within seconds, Murphy finds himself back in front of the church. Tis an absolute miracle! Surely, knowing that he has  20 years to go, he decides it's time to enjoy life!

He gets an expensive face lift, a new toupee, ten new suits and a brand new car. One evening he gets all dressed up, gets into his new car and drives off towards Dublin. He was only goes a mile when he skids of the road, crashes and is killed instantly.

On arrival in heaven, again, he sees St Peter.

"What's going on here?" says Murphy.  " You promised me I had another 20 years to go. Now I  finally get everything in place to enjoy myself, and I get killed in a car accident.  Why? Why did you let it happen?"
 

St. Peter looked in dismay and said,

"Murphy? ....Murphy, is that you? 
I didn't recognize you!"