Merry Christmas Skyler

In November, I wrote a short story with a letter to my great- grandson Skyler who died on July 29, 2016. He was only twenty-nine days old.  Our hearts broke that day as we struggled to understand how a healthy infant could pass so suddenly.

When I decided to write the November story, Happy Thanksgiving Skyler, I did not realize just how many people would be touched by the letters I wrote.  It touched my heart to know that my words brought comfort to those who had lost a precious child. My heartfelt prayers go out to all those who are grieving the loss of a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild. I hope you will enjoy my December letter to Skyler and his letter to me.

December 18, 2016

Dear Skyler,

Today is Sunday, December 18, 2016. The sky is like the color gray. Sometimes my heart feels gray because I miss you so much. I feel sad that I cannot see your smile, or feel your heart beating against mine.  What does the sky look like in Heaven?

It is almost Christmas my sweetheart and I think of you whenever I see babies and children sitting on Santa’s lap.  I can almost see you cuddled up on Santa’s lap either gazing or crying as he gently talks to you.  Is that how Jesus talks to you; gently?

The trees are all decorated with bright lights of blue, green, yellow, orange, red and white.  Some trees have all white lights that brighten the room they are in.  Is it bright in Heaven?

I baked chocolate chip cookies and cutouts in shapes of bells, trees, and an angel. Before I put the cookies in the oven, I sprinkled colored sugar on each one.  I think you would love cookies like your big brother does.  He misses you, Skylar.  We all miss you very much.

Will you celebrate Christmas in Heaven?  Christmas Eve, I will go to church and celebrate Jesus’s birthday. I will also think of you and say a special prayer then send it up to Heaven. Ask Jesus if you can look down and see how pretty the church is at Christmas time. Listen to the pretty music as everyone sings along. Watch the little children as they become part of His birthday celebration, acting out their little parts and singing songs to the baby in the manger. It will be a wonderful night.  I love you, sweet baby boy. You are in my heart each and every day.  Merry Christmas, Gigi

Dear Gigi,

I miss you too. The sky is not gray here, it is always blue with lots of fluffy white clouds. Sometimes, the Angels take many of us to touch the clouds. They feel soft. Sometimes we sit on the clouds.  The Angels are teaching us to wave at our families on Earth. I waved at you, but you did not see me. Please look up at the clouds, and wave at me. I will see you and wave back. Gigi, I am not far away. I am always near you.

We are getting ready to celebrate Jesus’s birthday in Heaven. Gigi, it is so wonderful! Last week, a new baby arrived in Heaven. He is a little boy just like me. Jesus picked him to play the baby in the manger. There are real animals and a stable too. The Angels are helping us get ready. Tomorrow we will meet Mary and Joseph. Gigi, the camels are silly. They like to spit. One spit right on my arm.  The three Wisemen are coming on Tuesday and the Shepard boy will come on Wednesday. All his sheep will be there too!

Jesus told us that it will be a wonderful night. He said that everyone in Heaven will come to celebrate, even the animals. Gigi, Jesus loves me, He loves everyone.  Please tell Mommy, Nannie, Pop-Pop and my brother, Preston that I miss them, but that I am okay in Heaven.

Oh, and tell them, that I will be with them on Christmas day. When they look at the tree and think of me, I will be right there. When they open their presents, I will be there too. Tell them that I love them, and tell them that Heaven is a beautiful place filled with love. Jesus is love. Merry Christmas, Gigi!     Love, Skyler

My heartfelt thoughts………..                                                            Christmas is a beautiful time of the year, however, it is so much more than that. It is the time of year when people are a little nicer and kindness is in the air. It is a time for decorations, baking, shopping, and family; those who are with us on earth and those who live in Heaven.  It is especially the time to remember the birth of a tiny baby born so many years ago. A tiny baby that grew into a man filled with grace, hope, mercy, compassion, faith, and love. A man who taught beautiful life lessons and through his death washed away our sins.  Merry Christmas Jesus! I love you dearly and will wait patiently for your return.