The Simple Family Life

You pull into the driveway and take a deep breath. It’s time. Your son looks up at you with wide eyes, and you force a smile.
“Time to go meet Auntie Janice,” you say.

Your son nods, and you head into the house. Your husband is already there, waiting. He gives you a sad smile.
“I’ll take care of him,” he says. You nod, not trusting yourself to speak. You hand your son over and watch as your husband leads him away.

It doesn’t take long. Your son comes back to you, his eyes red and swollen.
“Daddy says Auntie Janice is in heaven now,” he says. You take him in your arms and hold him tight. “Yes, she is,” you say. “But she’s watching over us from up there.”

Your son nods, and you can see the gears turning in his head. He’s quiet for a moment, and then he looks up at you.
“Did God take her?” he asks. You hesitate. This is the hard part. But you know you have to be honest with him.
“No, honey,” you say. “Auntie Janice was very sick, and her body just stopped working.”

Your son is quiet for a moment, digesting this information. Then he asks, “Is she in pain now?”
“No, sweetheart,” you say. “She’s at peace.”
Your son nods, and you can see the relieved expression on his face. He’s quiet for a moment, and then he says, “I’m glad she’s not in pain anymore.”

You hug him tight, and you know that, even though this is a difficult time, he will be okay.

A few days after Aunt Janice’s funeral, you’re sitting in the living room with your son, who is quietly playing with his cars. Suddenly, he looks up at you with a serious expression on his face.
“Mommy,” he says. “I have to tell you something.”

You put down your book and give him your full attention. “What is it, sweetheart?” you ask.

“I know you’re sad about Auntie Janice,” he says. “But I saw her in my dreams.” You sit up a little straighter, surprised. “What did she say to you?” you ask. “She said that she’s happy now,” he says. “And that she’s watching over us from heaven.”

You feel a lump form in your throat as you realise that your son is right. Aunt Janice is at peace now, and she is watching over us from heaven. Thank you, Lord, for giving us this special gift.