I have a wonderful father-in-law.  I have known this for 25 years now. We lovingly refer to him as Papa J.  But sometimes he does things that just illustrate his precious heart so well.

Last week was Mitchell’s thirteenth birthday without us.  Enjoyed in heaven, but missed by us.  And Mark got this e-mail from his sweet dad, and my sweet papa.  I just had to share it….

Hi Mark,

Just wanted to let you know Mom and I went to the cemetery to put flowers on Mitchell’s grave.  We’ve done that every year on his birthday since the Lord took him home.  This is somehow a special birthday celebration since Mitchell would have entered his teen years.  We think of him often and wonder what he would be like today.  If the way your fabulous four have turned out is any indication, we know Mitchell would have been a real blessing and a great lover of our Lord.  Of course, at the cemetary there is Gregg’s (Mark’s brother) plot beside his nephew, and we wonder how things would have been between the two of them.  However, we try not to think of how things might have been.  God brought you and your family as well as the rest of us through that time of pain and heartache and I believe we have become stronger in Him because of it – no anger or bitterness, but certainly a lump in the throat and a twinge in the heart.  I believe heaven is better off because God took Mitchell home to be with him.  I kind of think that heaven looks better to us because they are there and when we get there it will be fabulous because there are no tears, suffering, sorrow, or anything else negative there.  As Mom and I bowed at Mitchell’s grave and talked with the Lord we found ourselves praising God in spite of trials and thanking Him for enabling us to still vitally cling to Him.  I still remember going into Mitchell’s room with Larry (Jana’s dad) the day before surgery.  We hovered over his little body and as I put my little finger into his tiny hand, he clasped his little fingers around it.  These are precious memories.  Someday, when we all get to Heaven, it will be more than holding a hand.  Just think of the strong embrace and pat on the back as we see him, never to be separated by all the unpleasant events of this life.

I love you, Mark, and your dear Jana.  Thanks for all the joy you bring us.

Dad

Is that not the sweetest note?  Yes, I do have a precious papa.  The best father-in-law around!!!