December 2, 2011

Today started off as a celebration...

School was closed for me!

This meant I got to attend two AR Parades for my favorite little people.

The one in the hood is mine.  This is his first AR parade and he was very proud of his accomplishment!  So were we!

I don't think she has ever missed a parade, but she still looks forward to them!

 Minutes after arriving home, there was a knock at the door.

My neighbor was there and she didn't look good.

After several minutes of baby love from Nessa and tears and deep breaths--she was able to inform me that a sweet friend of hers had died.

He was in the fifth grade.

He went to school with my kids.

His sister often stops in for short visits at our house.

My neighbor mentions him all the time; 

she even chaperoned the Fair field trip with him a couple months ago.

How could this be? 

Nothing prepares you for the shocking news that a child is dead.

Nothing.

Hug your kids a little tighter. 

Breathe in their heavenly scent. 

Love them up as much as you can while you can.

Every day is a gift.

Every. Single. One.

And as much as my heart hurts for his beautiful family; I must also remember that He is celebrating to have him home again.

So, I too will try to celebrate the life he lived-- knowing all that he has gained in Heaven with our Lord.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God still, and trust in me.  There are many rooms in my Father’s house; if there were not I should have told you.  I am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you with me; so that where I am you may be too.”

-John 14:1-3