CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN

       It's Christmas Eve and my house is quiet.  It looks like Christmas, but it just doesn't feel right.  There are a few presents under the tree.  There are Christmas cookies on the counter.  There are Christmas cards hanging in the arch.  What is missing is my sixteen year old son sleeping in his bed.  I'm sitting here--still wondering after six months--how can he really be gone?  How could he not have known how much we loved him?  How could this have happened?
       Our friends have been so wonderful this Christmas season.  We have witnessed God's love in acts of kindness as they help us deal with our first Christmas without Andrew.  Some have given us words of comfort; some have given us things to honor and remember him.

Christmas in Heaven

'Tis Christmas in Heaven,

What a beautiful sight,

and I want you to know that everything is all right.

I've met all our dear ones who preceded us here.

The reunion was lovely,

An event full of cheer.

I think of my family that I left behind,

and I pray that your Christmas is as blessed as mine.

Please shed no more tears for my soul is at rest.

Just love one another and live life to its best.

Yes, it's Christmas in Heaven so I've heard them say...

Yet, Christmas in Heaven happens every day.

Merry Christmas from Heaven

I still hear the songs, I still see the lights,

I still feel your love on cold wintery nights.

I still share your hopes and all of your cares,

I'll even remind you to please say your prayers.

I just want to tell you, you still make me proud,

You stand head and shoulders above all the crowd.

Keep trying each moment, to stay in His Grace.

I came here before you to help set your place.

You don't have to be perfect all the time,

He forgives you the slip, if you continue the climb.

To my family and friends,

Please be thankful today,

I'm still close beside you,

In a new special way.

I love you all dearly,

Now don't shed a tear,

Cause I'm spending my Christmas with Jesus this year.

My faith and my brain tell me this is all true.  But for my heart, I wonder how many more pieces it can break into. 

Dear Jesus--please give my boy a hug for me today.  Kiss him gently on the forehead and tell him how much I love him, today and always. Then give him a whack on the back of the head and remind him I have many things to say to him when we meet again.

~Andrew's Mom