One Year Ago

My thoughts are drifting toward heaven and this little man today. One year ago today, Elias died minutes, maybe even seconds, before he was brought out of his mother's (my best friend's) womb via emergency c-section. Full term, and perfectly healthy and vibrantly alive, he died when a knot in his cord cinched up tight and cut off his oxygen supply during the last few minutes of labor. It sounds so tragic - and it was (is) - but there is faith in this tragedy. And strength. The faith and strength of Elias' parents who know he made this choice himself; this was no accident. Who know he is serving as a missionary beyond the veil. Who know that families are eternal and Elias will forever be a part of theirs. Who know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for their family and wraps them up in love and tender care through the hardest parts of that plan, promising them the sweetest reunion to counter the heaviest of partings. I feel so, SO very blessed to have been able to cuddle this sweet little body, to have rested him atop his best friend, Jesper, who was just a month and a half shy of his own arrival here on earth. I like to imagine a hug and a high five and a "raise hell (good hell, of course)" shared with Jesper in passing as Elias briefly touched this earth, then marched back through the ranks of waiting spirits to take up his missionary placard, collect a companion, and embark on his mission for the Lord. One year ago today, that heavenly mission field gained a giant in Elias. You are missed, you chubby little man, but I can't wait to hear your mission stories of teaching those in heaven who never had the chance to learn of the gospel in its fullness here on earth. God bless you and your family. I love you. ❤️