Our little angel, Skyler, would have celebrated his first earthly birthday on July 1, 2017.  Sixteen days later, Skyler wrote and sent a letter in response to his great- grandmother’s letter.  I think you will enjoy a child’s view of his first birthday celebration in Heaven.  Skyler’s letters are written from the heart. The message that Gigi writes and little Skyler’s response is meant to touch the heart of each person who reads them.

Dear Gigi,

I loved your letter!  I miss you and love you very much.  My birthday was a special day. When the sun was high in the sky, Gabriel blew his horn and we all went to the Story Hill.

Jesus, all the Angels, Noah, all my animal friends, and all the children who had a July 1st birthday were there.  Jesus told us a beautiful story about His Father, you know Him, Gigi. His name is God.  Jesus told us that God knew us before we were born. Did you know that He knew you before you were born?  It’s true Gigi. He loved us when He created us and never stopped. He loves all of you on earth and He loves all of us in Heaven.  Do you remember when I told you that Jesus wanted us to experience everything in Heaven, like the boys and girls experienced on earth?  Well, you will not believe what happened next!

The Angels told us to turn around and look down the path.  There were red, green, yellow, orange, purple, pink, white, and blue balloons floating in the air. At least it looked that way!   As the balloons got closer, I saw people carrying them.  Soon, a group of people headed my way. They were each carrying a balloon.

Then, they got into a line and one at a time came up to me and said, ” Happy Birthday, Skyler!”   My great-grandfather, Lambert was the first one to kiss my cheek. He and I tied a pretty green balloon on a branch of my favorite tree. He told me he picked that color because green is your favorite color.  Then, Nanny Brodt and Memmy Snyder brought me a red and yellow balloon. Together, we tied it to my tree.  Pappy Snyder and Pappy Brodt tied their orange and blue balloons too. Gigi, every member of my family who lives in Heaven was there! It was great!  You should see my tree! It is beautiful!  It looks like a wavy rainbow.

After all the balloons were hung, the Angels brought out the birthday cakes. My cake was chocolate.  It was decorated with little icing puppies and kittens. Jesus told me that he chose the decorations because I love to go to the Rainbow Bridge and help the animals cross over.  Then everyone sang, ” Happy Birthday.”  I  was so happy!  Even the dogs howled and the cats meowed.  It sounded heavenly to me.  Gigi, I had a wonderful day!  As I sat on my great – grandfather’s lap, he told me how much he missed you and loved you.  He knows that you are doing well and he knows that you are happy and that makes him happy.

Gigi, you know that love is the answer; right?  I have told you before and I will tell you again: Jesus is pure love.  Plain and simple.  He wants us to love others as He has and will always love us.  Tell everyone, Gigi. It is important!  I will visit you soon.  I love you!  Hope you like the picture I painted for you.  My first painting from Heaven!

Skyler