Happy Birthday

Today marks Justin's first birthday. Just one year ago today, he joined our family as my nephew and began his short sojourn on earth. This day was filled with joy and celebration as we welcomed him here, unaware that his stay would be so fleeting. One year ago today, he brought tears, smiles, excitement and love with him from heaven. He was held, loved, cuddled, snuggled, measured, admired, and treasured. As with the birth of each child, Justin reminded us of our Heavenly Father's plan to give us each an opportunity to live on earth, to be tested and tried, and prove ourselves worthy to return to live with Him again.

Visitors streamed into the hospital to be with Justin and his family: grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. His sister, mom, and dad couldn't get enough of him and were so proud to show him off: his chubby cheeks, full head of dark, silky hair, sweet fingers and toes, perfect lips, nose and face. He was a sleeper, cuddler, and a great eater. But mostly, he brought love with him.

During his days in the hospital, Savannah spent all the time she could with him. They strolled the halls together, took naps together, and even 'bent' the rules to spend the night together on the last night. With great excitement, the new little family left the hospital late on the 29th to go home and start their new life as a family of four. Grandma Landeros visited and gave Justin his first bath, using the same towel she used to bathe all the grandchildren for the first time. Warm, clean and freshly-showered with love, Jennifer bundled up her little boy and settled in for the night.

Just a few hours later, our loving Heavenly Father saw fit for Justin's sweet spirit to complete it's time on earth, and return to our Savior's presence. His perfect, newborn body went still as he fulfilled his earthly mission and left the trials and hardships of this existence to experience the supreme joys and blessings of heaven. The heartache and tears on earth are saved for us who mourn not the loss of a wasted life, but the seemingly long wait until we can be with him again.

Justin's spirit awaits us in heaven, where if we are worthy, we will be reunited one day. Our Heavenly Father provided a Savior for us. Jesus Christ gave his life so that death could be overcome. With the restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith, the same priesthood from Christ's time was restored to the earth as well. With the priesthood and the return of the sealing ordinances performed in temples, we are blessed to know that if we live worthily, families can be together forever.

We are still learning lessons from Justin's short life. For now, we don't know what work he was called to do. We don't know sometimes how we'll face the grief of his leaving, or fill the emptiness he left behind. But we do know that he died without sin and has been spared the sorrows of this life. We know that his life brought joy and love to so many. We treasure each day we have on this earth with our families and children. I'm grateful for Justin and his time here, I only hope to live my life so that I will be with him again. And my heart and prayers are with Jennifer, Danny, and Savannah today. Happy Birthday sweet Justin. I look forward to meeting you someday.