Dear Judson,

It’s been a year since you left us and I miss you terribly.  Every father hopes for a son like you: bright and thoughtful, loving and kind.  I love so much about you in part because I see a kindred spirit in you—your smile, your kind way of dealing with people, your sense of humor, the way you affirmed people, and your gentleness added to my deep fatherly affection for you.  I’m so proud of you!  I could not ask for more from a son!!!

I think you know how much I believe in you.  I had such high hopes for you here on earth—hopes that were so justified—and so it breaks my heart not to see you fulfill them in your own unique way.

But it is not that God’s purpose in you failed.  In your short life, my most repeated prayer for you, inspired by the Spirit, was that you would be a blessing.  And what a blessing you have been—to us and to so many others who have met you and heard about you!  What a blessing your life continues to be in the hands of our Savior!

You were just a little boy and small in the world’s reckoning, but God’s purpose has given your life meaning far beyond your years.  You are like a tiny seed that grows up to be the largest tree in the forest, providing shade and shelter to many.  Your little life has altered the direction of many for the Kingdom of God!  And I expect it will only continue to do so.

So, a year after you died and entered into what is truly life, I both mourn and celebrate you!  You are such a treasure, so precious to me. I so long to see you, Jud, and to lavish you with hugs and kisses.

Until I do, I will offer both lament and praise to God for you, my son!

With all my heart,
Daddy