Four Years...

"Then I saw 'a new heaven and a new earth,' for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'”

"He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'

He said to me: 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.'" ~ Revelation 21:1-6

My Sweet Billy,

It has been four years since you went home to Jesus.  Four years since I read that scripture from Revelation at your Memorial Service, man how I wish I never would have had that experience.  At the same time, I was most honored to stand up and read from God's word in remembrance of your sweet life.  Some days it seems like quite a bit of time since I last saw and held you and then other days it seems like it was just yesterday that you were here.  So much has happened in 4 years.  I finished grad school, your Mommy and Daddy brought two more boys into this world, and have returned to Colorado Springs.  Your big sister, Avery is a kindergartner. I know you would've loved the stories she shares about school, her teacher, and classmates.  I see so much of her in you when I look at your picture.  I even see some of your little brothers, Nathan and Jared.  God has been so good to send us little reminders of you here on earth through the love and expressions of your siblings.  It doesn't make me miss you any less, but it does remind me that you are safe in the arms of Jesus and that now I'm four years closer to seeing you in Heaven some day.  

You are loved sweet boy and remembered with great joy.  Sometimes I look at the pictures your Mommy sends me of your siblings and I imagine where you might be standing in the picture, what you might look like, and although it sounds crazy to some it helps me to never forget you and the precious family you were a part of here on earth.  You will always be my nephew, you will always be your mommy and daddy's first boy, Avery's first little brother, and big brother to Nathan and Jared.  I look forward to the day that Nathan and Jared ask more questions and understand more about where you are.  One thing I wish I had an answer for is why.  But we trust God in His plans and in His time.  Maybe He just needed you more with Him than He believed we needed you here with us.  

I miss you and I love you.  Thank you for giving me the honor and privilege of being your Aunt Cristyn, 5 months on earth, and forever in eternity.

XOXO,

Aunt Cristyn