Epilogue

I figured the best way to end the book is how I started it, with words from my brother-in-law.

Epilogue

One day Micah’s brother, Matt, called and shared another dream, or vision, he had.  Matt had been struggling with the death of Erik (as we all were) and asked God  to help him understand the purpose of Erik’s death.  

I was standing on the shore of a large river.  Across the river I could see a large shining city, and people were standing on the other side.  As I stood there I noticed a figure looking back at me, and he looked a lot like Jesus.  I wanted to cross over, but the river was too swift and dangerous.  

Then on both sides of me I noticed soldiers who have died in the war come up to the river and step inside.  I watched as they crossed the river.  In some areas of the river the water was up to their necks.  As they reached the other side they reached up their hands to be helped onto the other side.  It was then that I saw other soldiers reaching down to help these men and women step on to the banks of the river.

One of these soldiers on the other side looked up at me and smiled.  He waved at me and I waved back.  I immediately recognized his blond hair and face, even though he looked to be a soldier of nineteen or twenty.  It was Erik.  He stood there helping the other soldiers onto the banks of the river, dressed in his Marine uniform, welcoming them into heaven.

Over the years, I have heard a lot of stories about heaven.  I believe that God gives us “dreams” or “visions” in times of sorrow to help us deal the pain we feel, and also to give us a hope.  Matt found himself dealing with Erik’s death better after this.  He shared it with Micah and I in hopes that we could come to the same peace.  

Everything surrounding Erik’s life, sickness, and death had God’s presence.  He made sure that Erik was not afraid to die. He helped our families learn to be at peace with Erik’s death.  I think the death of a child, at any age, is one of the hardest things to deal with in a person’s life.  You never get over their death, but you learn to live with it.

Will I see Erik again?  Absolutely, and it brings joy to my broken heart.