Thursday, January 24, 2008

For King Julian

“Is it time?” the little angel asked.

“Not yet,” soothed the voice, “patience.”

The angel sat, chin in his chubby hands, and waited and watched. He saw day turn to night and night turn to day. Still he waited.

Days, weeks and months passed by while the little angel watched from above. And then it happened. Dawn began to brighten the sky and the angel could feel the excitement, a stirring on the golden streets. Could this be the day?

“Alright little one, it’s time. We’re ready. Bring him home.”

The angel sped to earth, the gift firmly in his grasp. He descended to the side of a warrior, a prince, a king. “Who’re you?” asked the boy.

“I’m an angel,” he replied. “I’ve come to bring you home.”

The boy stared in wonder. “You have wings. Real ones.”

“Yup. Father wants us home. Ready?”

The little boy looked to the bed where his mother laid, tears on her cheeks, holding his hand. “What about my mom? I can’t leave her. She’ll be sad and she’ll miss me.”

The little angel pondered this a moment. “But He’ll turn their mourning into joy. He will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow.”

The boy thought for a minute. “I don’t know. She loves me an awful lot. All the way to China.”

“I love you, Munchkin. It’s gonna be okay. I’m so proud of you,” she whispered.

They stopped to listen, her words carrying in the still of the room.

“We’ll be okay. Cody and Jacob are waiting for you. Say ‘hi’ to Jesus for me. You won’t hurt anymore, so be sure to run and play. Goodnight, baby. I love you.”

The boy watched as his mother reached out and laid a hand on his chest. He felt the warmth spread inside and the heat of love settle in his heart. The pain melted away.

“These are for you.” The angel handed the boy his gift and waited as he unwrapped the bow.

“My own set of wings?” he asked in awe.

“Uh-huh. Bright yellow ones, ‘cause that’s your favorite color. Now you can chase the sunshine.”

The boy slipped the wings on and waited. “How do they work?”

“You gotta listen and let go.” The boy stood still and waited.

“Come home, son. I’m waiting.”

He felt the wings begin to flutter, the anticipation of returning home. He looked one last time towards his mother.

“Fly high, ‘lil man.”

And he did.



For King Julian, 4, who won his battle with cancer and earned his wings Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008. And for his parents who talked him straight into the arms of Jesus.

Thank you for sharing your precious boy with the world. He touched many hearts and changed many lives.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

tethat is so beautiful!!!!! Mimi will be comforted by this story! Thank you for writing it!
Gayle Smith

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. Thank You!

The Daily Bee said...

That was such a beautiful story, Shauna.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful, wonderful gift. A beautiful story. Thank you for writing this for Mimi and her family.

Shauna said...

Gayle - Mimi has touched my life with her incredible faith and raw honesty. And she shared Julian with all of us. This story floated around in my head as I marveled at the amazing strength it must have took Mimi to usher her little guy home.

Anon & Deb - Thanks. I'm not a 'writer' but this scene burned in my heart, demanding to be shared. Mimi's assurances to her son will always remain in my heart as what it means to truly sacrifice for the sake of your child.

Sing4joy said...

All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 What a gift you must be to King Julian's family.

Cheryl said...

Wow -- that was SO beautiful and powerful!
I have been following Juju's care page for months, too. Mimi is so courageous to share each step of their painful journey with the world. I hope you will share with Mimi your story of Julian getting his wings and going home. It really grabbed my heart and had me sobbing tears of sorrow and joy. Thank you.

Becky said...

No Shauna...you ARE a writer! That was AWESOME!!

I, too, was deeply touched by little Julian's plight, and prayed for him for weeks and weeks. His death came at the tail end of my 2 weeks of death, and I sobbed for his family, but rejoice that he is home, and whole.

He and his family were a tremendous inspiration.

Anonymous said...

I happened to find you tonight. This is the most beautiful story! I have been following Julian and his family for a few months and was so heart broken for him and his family. But this story... it sounds as though it was written through you, from Julian. Wonderful Job!!!!

Jenster said...

Don't you know God is so happy to have that precious boy with Him.

I can't imagine the pain that goes along with watching your child die and it's my prayer I never do. But what an incredible witness Julian's parents are. I'm filled with deep sadness and incredible hope all at the same time.

Jenster said...

I meant to share one more thing. My ladies' bible study is doing a Beth Moore study on the book of Daniel. In yesterday's session she talked about the trials we go through.

Consider three different scenarios when people of God face a fiery trial:

A - We can be delivered from the fire and our faith is built.

B - We can be delivered through the fire and our faith is refined.

C - We can be delivered by the fire and our faith is perfected.


Over the years I've seen my faith built and refined, but these parents have allowed this tragedy to perfect their faith.

They are an inspiration.

Shauna said...

S4J - Thank you for that encouragement. Julian touched many lives and because of that, his parents have a multitude of people lifting them in prayer.

Cheryl - I shared the link with Mimi on the carepage. When she has time to wade through the thousands of messages, I hope this story will bring joy to her. Ju was a special boy and Heaven is blessed to have him.

Becky - I have been so inspired by Mimi and her incredible faith. Though I have wept tears of grief for the family, I'm also joyous that Julian is finally Home and free.

Anonymous - Thank you. It felt comforting to picture Julian receiving his wings and flying with his little angel friend.

Jenster - That little boy is a special delight to the Father. I think God was anxious to have JuJu home and healed. He blessed Mimi and her family with 4 precious years. And you're so right. Mimi and her family have allowed this tragedy to perfect their faith. They shine!