I am not a crier. It takes a lot for me to push out a tear.  And it’s not because I’m tough. It’s an unhealthy, self-protecting mechanism that has developed over the years. When I do cry, I am so very relieved to know I am, in fact human. That said, there are certain memories that make me tear up every time.

Here is one. (Be forewarned, it’s my personal opinion that people overuse the words blessed and amazing, so please forgive me because I am about to do just that.)

Our family has been blessed to have friends who have chosen to join our roller coaster journey, to pick us up and push us forward in the dips and to celebrate hard with us on the peaks. This story involves one such amazing friend. I’ll call her “K”.

K has four children, three around Bennett’s age. We met at church when Bennett and her oldest were babies. She has been along for the crazy Key ride ever since.

When Bennett was around five years old, K’s children asked her about heaven. She explained how God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to rescue us and make a way for us to be with him in heaven. She told them how there is no sickness, pain or death in heaven. This is good news, and a lot to take in (for all of us), so K used their friend Bennett to explain further.

She told them that in heaven Bennett will be able to walk and run and jump. He will be able to speak clearly and do the things his body will not allow here. To her surprise, the kids cheered and jumped and DANCED around, because they were so happy for Bennett.

Picturing the pure selfless joy of that moment gives me a teary smile and thankful pause.

I am thankful for friends pick us up, push us forward and celebrate with us. I am also thankful for the gift of Bennett and his sister, Lacey, who make both heaven and the days here worth celebrating.

And I am thankful for the pure selfless love we celebrate today.

Happy Easter.