“Mommy and Daddy! Guess what? I know where Heaven is!”
It’s a conversation that took us by surprise. We were driving through town when my daughter burst out with excitement. She pointed out the window and told us that she could see Heaven. I glanced at my husband with a confused look before I peered out the car window.
It had been a cloudy and dreary day, but as I looked outside, the sunset took my breath away. Bold rays of sunshine peeked through fluffy clouds. It truly looked like what I imagine the gates of Heaven to be.
As we looked out in amazement, our daughter said, “That’s where Parker and Abby are!”
Tears instantly formed in my eyes, as I looked at our lone surviving triplet. We never wanted to shield her from the truth, that she is a triplet and her brother and sister passed away. Instead, we choose to incorporate Parker and Abby in our everyday lives. We talk about them often, wondering what they might be doing in Heaven, and we share stories and videos of their short time here on earth.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to parenting children in Heaven and on earth. It’s tricky, it’s heartbreaking, yet in moments like this one, it’s beautiful.
I reached for my husband’s hand and gave it a squeeze, smiling at him through the tears. As we continued our drive, we talked about Heaven and our family wave outside at the beautiful sunset.
“Hi Parker! Hi Abby,” we said together. They may not be here with us on earth, but our children are always in our hearts. And on this day, they were shining down from above, giving us a little “hello” to remind us they are never far away.