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Hello There!

This past Sunday, September 7th, marked nine years since our son went home to be with Jesus. It’s a day that comes every year, kind of like Thanksgiving or Christmas. I always know it’s on the way, but somehow, I’m never quite ready when it gets here.

People sometimes say time heals all wounds, but I don’t think grief really works that way. It shifts and changes over the years, but it never truly goes away. If you’ve ever lost someone you love, I’m sure you understand. With Jesus, we find the strength to keep going, but there’s always that tender spot in the heart, and sometimes the sadness still rolls in like waves.

I can still vividly remember those difficult days. Watching our son’s body weaken, seeing the pain he carried, even the loss of sight in one of his eyes—it was heartbreaking. And yet, through all of that, he never lost his hope. He maintained his determination to live, and more than anything, he clung to his faith in Jesus. His strength still amazes me. I always told him that he was my HERO!

I know this might sound a little heavy, but that’s not really the end of the story. Alongside the memories of pain, there are so many more moments where God’s goodness shines through. He has this beautiful way of taking what feels unbearable and turning it into reminders of His love, His provision, and His grace. And we hold tight to the promise that one day, we’ll see our son again and spend forever together with our Saviour!

When this day comes around, Kyle and I always try to spend it together. It’s important to us to celebrate the truth that Jayd is with Jesus. In all these years, we’ve only been apart on this day once, and that was because of a work conflict that couldn’t be avoided.

It’s never an easy day. September 7th is the day our whole world changed. Not only did we lose our son, but in many ways, we also lost a daughter. Jayd had been married for about three years before he passed away. His wife, Jacee, has since been blessed with a loving husband and three beautiful children. We don’t get to see her as much as we’d like, but through texts, phone calls, and FaceTime, we still stay connected. She will always be family to us, and I think Jayd would be so proud to know that she continues to hold such an important place in our lives.

Over the years, we’ve learned to walk through this day in different ways. Some years we need to be quiet and alone. Other years, we choose to spend it doing the kinds of things Jayd loved. And then there are years when we need the comfort of family and friends around us.

This year, we spent the day at Chickasaw State Park with my brother, Len, my sister-in-law, Amber, one of our nieces, Lauren Kiley, and her boyfriend, Brady. Chickasaw was special to Jayd—he loved to fish there on his good days. When he was sick, we often went on picnics because he enjoyed being outdoors, even if he didn’t have much energy.

We had such a sweet time together. We shared food, stories, and laughter, remembering the best parts of Jayd’s life. Those memories felt like a big hug to my heart—a beautiful reminder that while grief never leaves, neither does love.

As the years go by, I’m learning that grief and joy can live side by side. There are still tears, but there is also laughter. Some memories bring heartache, but there are just as many that bring comfort. What once felt like only loss has become a reminder of how deeply we were blessed to love Jayd and be loved by him.

I don’t believe we ever “get over” losing someone we love so much. Instead, we carry them with us—in the stories we tell, the family we hold close, and the ways their faith continues to inspire our own. For us, Jayd’s life is a testimony of hope, courage, and unwavering trust in Jesus.

And so, even on the hardest days, we keep walking forward. Not because the pain has disappeared, but because God’s grace has carried us through it. We cling to His promise that one day, there will be no more sorrow, no more goodbyes—only joy in His presence. Jesus said in John 14:1 -3, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you… that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Until that day, we hold on to love, to family, and to the little glimpses of heaven God gives us here on earth.

Lord Bless You, Michelle