Sweetly Sleeping

Today was your viewing. I went into it with a lot of emotion, knowing it would be tough! I had friends pray for me and I know that they did because when we walked in, peace flooded over me. I shed many tears but I was at peace. I will be honest, part of me really really wanted to pray you back to life (hey it can happen!) but when I saw how peaceful you looked and imagined the joy you are experiencing in heaven, I just couldn't do that to you! The last month of your life you were trapped in a failing body and I wouldn't put you through that again just to have you back! You were so miserable in your final days that seeing your body here and knowing your soul was with Jesus was the best feeling! You are home! They did a great job at making you look "normal." Though, we all thought they should have had you with your eyes half open to make it more life-like. hehehe We picked out some of your favorite clothes, including your Kohl Han (sp?) shoes! You look very handsome!!! You would be proud of us, we were very brave and even though we all miss you we couldn't stop talking about how happy we were for you to be with your Jesus! The hardest part was when Colin grabbed your hand and then with tears streaming down his face said, "But I want my grandpa back!" I had held my composure very well until that point...then I lost it! We explained to him that what was in the casket was just your body but that you are very much alive in heaven and he would see you again. I teased him that when he got to heaven you two could have banana peel fights again! He got a big Colin grin and said, "and ice too!" Shortly after that Cecily told Bryan, "oooh my grandpa is sleeping!" Also a tear-jerking moment. But the hardest one was seeing your little Weston, all alone standing there, holding your hand, touching your hair, and silently crying. He misses you daddy! Mommy has been amazingly strong during this! Even after losing the love of her life she has an unwavering faith in her King and is rejoicing for where you now are! You picked an amazing lady!!!
  I worked on your slideshow last night it was one of the hardest things I have had to do! I kept thinking that YOU would see it, then would quickly snap  back and realize that you wouldn't be there to see it. I tried to pick pictures that showed your spunky, goofy personality and your love of your family and friends. Pam really misses you! I sent her a text from your phone so that she could have a text from "Wayne". She said she missed your morning "Wayne's Word" texts. I may have to carry on the tradition for you so that she can still get a goofy text every morning. I miss you terribly and now long to be in heaven even more!
Your favorite second born,
Carley