In Paradisium

Today is a sad day for my extended family. Had things gone the way we had all hoped and prayed that they would, things would be different and we would be celebrating rather than mourning. One year ago today, my cousin gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. The pregnancy went without a hitch, as did the delivery. All was well, until an odd sound was picked up by the nurse. He was soon found to have a heart defect and would be in need of heart surgery ASAP. The new parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends found themselves praying that things would go well, and that soon he would be able to be brought home and grow up as normal as possible. Mom and dad had their son baptized at the hospital by their pastor, just in case. He was transported to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and underwent surgery. It was a success! We rejoiced and prayed for a speedy recovery. Unfortunately, he began having other issues & other problems. More surgeries. More antibiotics. There was talk of putting him on the transplant list for a heart. Then in February, after many surgeries, little Brody’s body couldn’t take anymore. He passed away with his ever-loving parents beside him. It was heart-breaking for them, and for the rest of the family, to let him go to be with God.

It still hurts. It will hurt Brody’s parents for the rest of their time on Earth. But one thing holds us together, and that is the promise of Christ. Brody was and is a child of God. By the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, Brody is saved and now lives with our Lord in the glory of his kingdom. The pain that he felt during his short time on Earth is gone and he is whole. What joy and comfort that is to those of us that he left behind.

Today, say a little prayer for Brody and for his mom and dad, on this – what would have been his first birthday.

Eternal rest grant unto Brody, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the promises of Christ rest in peace.

Dona eis requiem sempiternam. In Paradisum. Christe eleison. In Paradisum.