Aunt Heidi

Dear Jett,

Your 7 years, since the minute I watched you come into this world, have been a blessing to me. Because of the precious time I have been so fortunate to have spent with you, you have forever changed my life. I will always remember your big round eyes, your amazing smile that brightened my day every time I got to see you, your goofiness and wonderful sense of humor that made everyone around you laugh, and your sweet nature. Thank you Jett for being such an amazing nephew to Joe and I and incredible cousin to Lexi, soooo gentle and to Tayla, sooo patient when she wanted to play dog on a leash and made you be the dog. Or playing house and making you sit in “time out.” You have taught me all these qualities and I hope to be more like you in those ways. I thank God and you Heath for planning the precious time we recently had when you came to stay with us for two nights. It started off with carrying him to bed and taking your shoes off and a whole pile of dirt and rocks fell out of your shoes on the floor. So much that I had to vacuum! And when you woke I asked how you could even walk in those shoes. Then you making Tayla and I laugh while making up words about changing Lexi’s poopy diaper to the tune of “I’ve Had The Time Of My Life.” And then at breakfast when you asked me profound questions about God like, “Why doesn’t He talk back to us when we talk to Him?” And then going to Sunday School with Tayla and afterward, the teacher saying how sweet you were in helping the kids. Then we drove to lunch and sang the words to every song that came on the radio. Then we finished it off at Chinese buffet and you filled your plate with crab legs.

Jett, I know that you are face to face with God right now in the most glorious place, in a land where joys will never end. You little stinker. You beat us to Heaven! But I long for the day I Get to see y our face again.

Thank you Heather and Jared, for sharing your very special boy with me and doing such an incredible job raising him. You made him who he was! I have learned so much about parenting through you. It has been so beautiful to watch your family come together through this. Jared, I appreciate the insight and reflection you have shared with me about using this as motivation to become a better parent. And Heath, you have been nothing but a solid rock for everyone. Nan asked me how you were doing and I told her that and she said, “I KNEW IT!” That is who you are. I admire you. We will get through this together and hold each other up and trust in God for strength and comfort. And Heath, every year on May 25^th and May 26^th, when we celebrate Lexi’s birthday, we will honor Jett and rejoice!