Everything Under the Son

I have lots to update you all (all 3 of you!) on, but that stuff will have to wait.  Today, I'm simply writing about Saturday, May 19, 2012.

On Saturday, my son Carson Graham had his seventh birthday with Jesus.  And as much as I ache to have him here with me, to hold him in my arms, I would never want to take him away from the glory of Heaven that he dwells in forever.  As hard as it is to sing to him softly for his birthday, and simply release a balloon for him inscribed with my feeble attempt at words, I find great comfort knowing that the angels are showering him with the most beautiful chorus of all time.  He knows no pain or heartache, no physical ailments or sickness, no loss or disappointment.  He only knows the joys of Heaven, the riches of life eternal, and the comfort of living in our Father's house.

We released a balloon to him, our son and brother.  We wrote messages of love and sent it soaring towards Heaven, where Levi is absolutely certain that Carson catches it and reads each word.

Also, this year, to remember her firstborn grandson, my mom lovingly crocheted lots of tiny hats and donated them to the NICU at Cook Children's Hospital.  There were hats of several sizes, from regular newborn size all the way down to teeny tiny preemie sized hats like our Carson wore after his birth.  I also have a bag of teeny tiny hats to deliver to the hospital one day soon...to pay it forward and honor my son.

You see, he has changed us.  We view life a little differently since Carson entered our lives and left us for Heaven.  I like to think we are better for having been touched by him.  I know that we see this earth as a much more temporary place, but I also think we have a new perspective on Heaven.  It is more real to me than ever before...I know a little someone there who is waiting for me.  We will spend forever there, worshiping the Father, and sharing in the joys of eternity!  And until then, we will continue to pay it forward.  We will love those whom God places in our paths, we will rejoice with those who rejoice, we will comfort those who suffer loss, and we will live our lives as a testimony of God's love and grace, sharing His promise of eternity where we will all be together again.

Carson Graham Jones - Happy Birthday sweet boy!  Mommy loves you...

May 19 is always a bitter sweet day.

Happy Birthday Son,

--Daddy

We love you and all your family, those present with us and those absent from us and present with the Lord.

Papi

Anne,

Thank you for sharing your heart. The part about heaven being more real than ever before resonated deeply with me. (And, who knows, maybe Levi is right!)

Paul