a precious gift

Last Saturday Fred told said he'd had a dream and David was in it. He actually even woke up with a little tear on his cheek.

It's that time of year again when the memories of his last days with us come flooding back. They bring both joy and sorrow—joy because of the precious memories of our dear son; sorrow for the difficult road he trod the last 3 1/2 years of his life.

But last night I received a precious gift. I dreamed that David was with us and I got to introduce him to all my dear friend that I've made since he passed, so they had never had opportunity to know him. It was so real that I woke up wanting to tell everyone.. "See, isn't he just the greatest, just like I said?!"

Today is David's 15th birthday in Heaven, so I will take one of the purple irises I bought and visit his grave. I will sit and chat with him, tell him all about his nieces, and his niece that's on the way. I'll tell him how much I love and miss him. No, he won't hear me. But God will, so I'll pray, thanking God for our amazing 16 1/2 years with our son, and praise Him that we know David is in His holy presence. I'll rejoice that we will see him again one day.

No, David won't hear me, but God will, and He will know that my heart is full and blessed. Blessed with not only with a loving husband, our sweet Mandy and Katie and their Brians and kids, but also with God's gift of eternal life. This gift that gives us relationship with Him (therefore His comfort, guidance, peace and joy) while we are still here on earth, AND our new life in Heaven with Him when we leave this place.

Looking forward to seeing our David again. In the meantime, I have some photos. Enjoy them! (I don't have too many in digital form, but here's a handful...)

At Uncle Ron & Aunt Tere's wedding. 1993

Playing basketball just about a month before diagnosis. 1994

During chemotherapy, he got to go back to school for a lunch period to visit his friends. 1994

In Hawaii after knee surgery, in the middle of some of the hardest chemo. Loving life to the full, he smiled and really enjoyed every moment. 1994