Today ends the month of August 2023; a month that I will never forget. When it started on August 1st, I had no idea that my son, Joel would be living his last full day on earth. 

What would I have done if I knew that? I would have sent out a SOS to every family and friend to come see him, call him, or text him with their goodbyes. I would have been begging God for more time with him. I would have squeezed him tight in my embrace and never let go. I would have whispered in his ear that I will love him forever and meet him in heaven at the feet of Jesus. 

But I didn’t know. It seemed like another day that we finished off together and said good night with anticipation of a good night’s rest. God had other plans. God knew his days appointed have been fulfilled and he would burst him out of that earthsuit and take him home to eternity in an instant. I would find the earthsuit left behind, like the cocoon shell after the butterfly is set free. 

Can I mourn for my loving son set free from this present world? No, I mourn for myself, our family, his friends that knew and loved him. I mourn for our inability to see him, laugh with him, and get that big bear hug Joel was known for. But I do not mourn for the spirit set free. Like the butterfly, he was born to be set free in the appointed time through the sacrifice and work of His Savior whom he trusted in.