Today is Joseph’s birthday. All I can do is wish him a Happy Heavenly Birthday. As a follower of Jesus, I celebrate that beyond any worldly accolade. I would certainly like to have him here with me but I can only imagine how living his life eternal must be like. I’m confident that this broken world now seems very foreign to his soul. I know that familiar mischievous grin now shines brighter than ever. I can see it as I type these words.

I remember the day he was born. I had taken Donna to the hospital and my dad and Donna’s parents were waiting patiently for any news as they watched the Fuquay Varina Christmas parade from the dining room of The Golden Corral restaurant. My mother had passed just a few weeks prior and our family needed something good to lift our spirits. I had always regretted that they never knew one another but now I find peace knowing they are now together.

In all the grief, so many good things have come to light over the past several years. I, even now, receive a constant stream of messages from Joseph’s friends testifying to the impact he had on their lives. There have been six scholarships awarded in his name and over 500 birdhouses exchanged in that effort. My faith will not allow me to be without joy on this day. Maybe not happy, but joyful. John 14:27 assures all believers that God has prepared a place unlike the world rooted in His presence. Joseph now walks those streets of gold with certainly a bigger grin than ever. Happy Heavenly Birthday my main man.