In Memory of William

Today marks the one year anniversary of William's death. It was quite a contrast to last year's sunshine and 70-degree weather. Today was cold, windy and ending in snowfall (approximately 4 to 6-inches are expected). Last year when Ryan and I spent the afternoon celebrating his grandmother's 86th birthday we had no idea what the next few hours and weeks would bring. While we are thankful that we have made it through an entire year, some times it feels more like three.

Spring and Easter will always be a time I associate with both Ethan and William. Ethan's memorial service was the night before Easter. Before the service my family had an Easter dinner, our last family meal with William. William was born the day before Easter and this year his anniversary falls on Palm Sunday. I remember Billy's third birthday party. We had a big piñata in the shape of a 3 and an Easter egg hunt out side. Ryan and I also had the joy of decorating Easter eggs two years in a row with William, my sisters and Mom.

Today we remembered William with a service at my parent's church followed by visiting his gravesite and a BBQ. I was glad to see so many people came to the service and BBQ to remember him with us. William had at least 10 friends and a teacher stop by the house too!

One thing that bothered me though was when the church "prayed" for my brother whom they said was in purgatory. William is NOT in purgatory (it doesn't exist) and does not need us to pray for him. Upon his death he went to be with Jesus. Our prayers can not change the fate of any person, nor can it speed up their arrival to heaven (it's instant). King David mourned (fasted and prayed) for his sick son, hoping that he would be healed and his life would be spared. When his son died, he no longer mourned for him. People asked why he mourned while his son was alive, but not when he died. David told them that he knows his son is in heaven, he cannot bring him back and that he will go to be with him again (2 Samuel 12:15-23).

While I miss Billy each day, I am reminded that he has already gone to heaven, he is with the Father and I will see him again—what joy it will be to see him again! This reunion is only possible because of the blood of Jesus. As you prepare your hearts this week for celebration of the death and resurrection of our Savior remember that we have been forgiven of all our sins (past, present and future) and receive eternal life.