Close to Heaven - a story about my sweet Jonah

 From the very beginning, I've always felt that my children were very special children of God, sent here to fulfill important roles. I think every mom and dad out there understands what I mean. These spirits being sent to us are so incredibly special and loved by our Heavenly Father. Once in a while, something will happen that will remind me of those thoughts and feelings.

I remember the first time this happened. It was when Jonah was being blessed. He was sound asleep when I gave him to my brother, Jim, to receive his name and blessing. He was only a few months old. It was a beautiful blessing, as they all are. And of course, I'm crying during the whole thing. But not Jonah. He didn't make a peep. I figure he just kept on sleeping. I found out later from Jim that he actually woke up and looked into Jim's eyes the whole time. When the blessing was over, he closed his eyes again and was completely out when he was handed back to me. I often wonder if he knew what was being said and understood the importance of being able to complete his mission on earth, whatever it is. And when those words were being spoken, it was as if he was paying close attention and accepting the blessings he was receiving. Most likely he was just enjoying listening to his uncle's voice...but just maybe...

There's been other times when I'm just floored by something Jonah says or does that leaves no doubt in my mind that he is close to the Spirit.

This morning I had one of those moments. It may seem like a normal 3 year old conversation, but there was something about it that made it different and special. And I want to point out that Jonah loves oatmeal, especially when there's strawberries in it.

Here's more or less how the conversation went:

"wanna go see Jesus!"
"Jonah, while we're on earth, we can't see Jesus. But we can feel him right here" (pointing to his heart)
after a little while...
"Jesus up high in the sky!"
"That's right! He's up in Heaven so that he can watch all of us and take care of us."
"Want go high in the sky like a rocket ship to Jesus!"
nothing much I can say to that so I just give him a kiss because I just love how sweet his is.
"Want Jesus eat strawberries!"
"I'm sure Jesus would love to eat strawberries. He created them so I'm sure he loves them"
"Want Jesus eat oatmeal!"
"Jesus created oatmeal too. I'm sure he's very happy that you're eating all the healthy food he created for you!" (I say things like this once in a while to help him to want to eat healthy. Yeah, I'm one of "those" moms)
"Want spoon for Jesus!" as he raises his spoon as high as he can
"Want share oatmeal with Jesus!"
"Honey, Jesus can't share your oatmeal with you right now. But that's very kind of you to want to share with Him."
"Please, Jesus!! Have spoon!"

What can I do at this point but watch him strain as hard as he can to get the spoon up high while he's looking up and pleading with Jesus to share some strawberry oatmeal with him. The look on his face was so sweet and loving. I had a thought that if I wasn't able to find the yellow spoon again, I wouldn't be surprised.

I give him another kiss on his head and tell him that Jesus loves him so much.
And he looked at me and said "I love Jesus". I think that look will be one I always remember. I only see it when we talk about Heavenly Father and Jesus, and its a look that reminds me of how incredibly special and loved these little ones are. And I think Jonah knows it too. I think he's closer to Heaven than I even realize. I just pray every day that I can somehow help keep him stay close so that he can make the right decisions and live his life to its fullest. I can't wait to see what Jonah - and Rebecca!- are going to be able to accomplish while they're here. Heavenly Father sure sent me two of his best!