Today, April 13, 2010, my brother would have turned 50. April 3rd marked 13 years that he’s been celebrating his birthdays in Heaven. I thought of him when I woke up this morning, and asked God if the angels throw birthday parties in Heaven.
Since he’s not here, he missed hearing all the “over the hill” jokes our family and friends come up with for those occasions, and the “Big 5-0” party we would have had for him. Earthly birthday parties for the “Big” decade-marking ages like the
“Big 5-0” include such things as black candles and wax tombstones on the cake, and AARP jokes (at least mine did!).
My brother missed the fun of getting a t-shirt or mug with an “old guy” saying on it, being warned about not letting “all those candles” set the house on fire, and getting to read all the latest over-the-hill birthday cards addressed to him.
But he’s not really missing anything. I’m the one who’s missing him.
One of his favorite Gospel songs was “I’ll Fly Away“.
“Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I’ll fly away…”
And he did. Now he’s forever free from the prison of pain.
Whether he’s having a birthday party in Heaven or not, he is most definitely celebrating today. He is celebrating being in the presence of God, having eternal life, being healed and pain-free, and knowing that will never, ever end.
Another favorite song of his was “When We All Get To Heaven“, and his prayer was that he would see all of his family again in Heaven. As he grew weaker and closer to being called out of this world he spoke often of the words to that song.
“When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.
When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory.”
He is rejoicing, he is shouting Victory!
I miss my brother every day, and especially on his birthdays. Although I can’t celebrate it with him by giving him a big birthday party, I can celebrate knowing he’s in Heaven, and I will see him again someday.
What a party that will be!
Tagged: birthday, Cake, Chocolate, Heaven, Jesus, strawberries, Turning 50, Victory
I was born on April 13th, too! I’m in my early 30’s now.
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