MM ~ Balloon Release

Today's Memory Monday = the balloon release for Anthony's 11th birthday on Saturday!

For anyone new here, Anthony is my cousin, Kristin, and her husband Frankie's firstborn son.  He was born with congenital heart defects and endured multiple surgeries and complex medical procedures and long hospital stays.  He passed away in his sleep two weeks after we celebrated his 1st birthday.  Today, he's alive and healthy and whole in heaven... and that profound reality allows them to grieve with the hope of seeing him again... but the grief and pain are still very real as they hold in their hearts all their hopes and dreams and the unending list of things that might have been.

This year was the tenth birthday balloon release.  I've missed a couple due to his February 15th birthday being so close to mine.  But here are pictures from a few of the past years... 

And a few more from this year...

I'm genuinely excited for so many things about our future in heaven... including these boys getting to meet their older brother!  And Kristin and Frankie getting to see him again and have their whole family together!

For now, they send balloons to him in heaven... and I have every confidence that Anthony sees it all and feels loved and celebrated!

I made this drawing for them last year.  With Jesus at the center, holding a birthday gift for Anthony and holding Kristin's hand as he grabs the next balloon to add to the pile.  And Kristin's beloved dog, Bocephus, hanging out with Anthony up there!  (And placecards at the table for other family members and friends they love and miss).  I love that God can be everywhere at once.  It means He is always with us - close by in our time of need, and our loved ones in heaven are always with Him.  Jesus is the mediator and connecting point in more ways than one!  I also love that this verse can apply to the remainder of our lives on earth, and it also applies to our eternity in heaven!  We have a future and an eternal hope because of the work of Christ, and that is worth celebrating!!

"I keep my eyes always on the Lord.

Because He is at my right hand,

I will not be moved.

And so my heart is glad.

My soul is full of joy. 

My body also will REST IN HOPE.

For you will not give me over to the grave...

You have made known to me the paths of life.

You will fill me with joy in Your presence."

~Psalm 16:8-11 and Acts 2:25-28