This morning I woke up feeling like I should get up before anyone in my household and write a little about a book that I read recently. It was recommended to me by some dear sweet friends, and they gave it to us for Christmas.
The title of this easy read is "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo. In the book, the author gives an account of his four-year-old son, Colton, who almost died. The little one had a burst appendix that was not treated properly for about five days. In the months that followed their sons recovery, Todd and Sonja discovered he had actually taken a trip to heaven. Without putting their ideas into his head, they tried as best they could, to extract information from their young child. I won't spoil all the interesting details, but one incident really stuck out to me for obvious reasons.
The Burpo's had one older daughter, and experienced a miscarriage before their son was born. One evening Colton walked to where the family was gathered and announced to his mother that he had two sisters. Sonja quickly corrected him saying "no you have only one sister". To which he replied, "no, I have two sisters; one here and one in heaven." Of course, his mom wanted to know more. So, she pumped her son for details. He could remember that a little girl in heaven wouldn't stop hugging him, and she kept telling him that she was his sister. When the mother asked the sister's name Colton said "she didn't have a name because you never named her". This detail was true. The Burpo's had miscarried so early in their pregnancy that they did not know the sex of the baby. Thus, never gave her a name.
The title of this easy read is "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo. In the book, the author gives an account of his four-year-old son, Colton, who almost died. The little one had a burst appendix that was not treated properly for about five days. In the months that followed their sons recovery, Todd and Sonja discovered he had actually taken a trip to heaven. Without putting their ideas into his head, they tried as best they could, to extract information from their young child. I won't spoil all the interesting details, but one incident really stuck out to me for obvious reasons.
The Burpo's had one older daughter, and experienced a miscarriage before their son was born. One evening Colton walked to where the family was gathered and announced to his mother that he had two sisters. Sonja quickly corrected him saying "no you have only one sister". To which he replied, "no, I have two sisters; one here and one in heaven." Of course, his mom wanted to know more. So, she pumped her son for details. He could remember that a little girl in heaven wouldn't stop hugging him, and she kept telling him that she was his sister. When the mother asked the sister's name Colton said "she didn't have a name because you never named her". This detail was true. The Burpo's had miscarried so early in their pregnancy that they did not know the sex of the baby. Thus, never gave her a name.
This book is a faith builder. We may have an idea about heaven in our minds. Some details we just dream up, however, the Bible does give us some accounts. But, rarely do we hear more from those who have almost passed than the "bright light" experience. After reading this book, I can actually picture our Emma in heaven with her relatives who have gone before her.
One image my friend recently came up with-of course in my life I believe it was from God-has also helped me picture Emma in heaven living. She said that life right now can be compared to life in Europe during the Middle Ages where the classes were very distinct. We, here on earth, are merely the peasants. We have work to do. We have to clean our clothes, hunt our food, and go through the labor of gardening for our vegetables. Emma, however, was especially chosen to live in the castle as royalty. She is being raised in the royal nursery of the King and is living a life that has no worries, struggles, or work involved. Really, as far as our children go, she is much better off than the three who are here with us.
Todd, my husband, helped me very early on when we first found out our news. I kept saying "Poor Emma. I just hate she has to endure this hardship and this defect". He was quick to point out that Emma will never have a scraped knee, virus, or hurt feelings; that she is actually so much better off than we are. Having this type of faith has helped both of us, knowing she has a life, it is just much better than the one we could have provided for her.
I do hope this is encouraging to anyone who has recently had to give up their loved one to death on Earth. I take the time to write these things down for no other reason than to help. May God Bless you on this journey!
One image my friend recently came up with-of course in my life I believe it was from God-has also helped me picture Emma in heaven living. She said that life right now can be compared to life in Europe during the Middle Ages where the classes were very distinct. We, here on earth, are merely the peasants. We have work to do. We have to clean our clothes, hunt our food, and go through the labor of gardening for our vegetables. Emma, however, was especially chosen to live in the castle as royalty. She is being raised in the royal nursery of the King and is living a life that has no worries, struggles, or work involved. Really, as far as our children go, she is much better off than the three who are here with us.
Todd, my husband, helped me very early on when we first found out our news. I kept saying "Poor Emma. I just hate she has to endure this hardship and this defect". He was quick to point out that Emma will never have a scraped knee, virus, or hurt feelings; that she is actually so much better off than we are. Having this type of faith has helped both of us, knowing she has a life, it is just much better than the one we could have provided for her.
I do hope this is encouraging to anyone who has recently had to give up their loved one to death on Earth. I take the time to write these things down for no other reason than to help. May God Bless you on this journey!
