Once Upon a Time...

Once upon a time, on a brisk November day 1961, a baby named Rodney entered the world.  He grew and filled the hearts of his parents with joy and pride.  He gave his heart to Jesus and walked closely with Him--leading in example and word--pointing the way of Truth to others.

One beautiful, sunny day, Rodney and his darling wife were said to be glowing, as they interacted with coworkers on the beach for a day of fun and laughter.  Not long after they left the festivities and headed for home, evil crossed their path and snatched their lives into eternity.  What looked like the end to witnesses, was just the beginning as Rodney took the hand of his wife and walked into the everlasting life for which they both lived.  Left behind here in death, their jubilant, inspiring lives, continued pointing the way for others to know Christ.  A lasting legacy--a towering cross--stands today for thousands of people to see each day.

After more than two decades, when only a few people were left who remembered Rodney on a regular--even daily--basis, a baby boy was born to Rodney’s nephew.  In memory of the uncle he barely remembered, this father named his son...Rodney.  

Right away it was realized Baby Rodney had some problems with his tummy, but nothing the doctors couldn’t teach his parents to do in order to take the very best care of him.  Many sleepless nights the parents stood vigil at a hospital bed or prayed without ceasing during a surgery.  Eventually little Rodney was able to go home to a warm welcome from four excited siblings who already loved him very much.  

Because of Rodney’s extra needs, Rodney’s parents made many decisions which affected the whole family--moving homes, changing schools for the siblings, and job changes for both of Rodney’s parents.  Yet with all the sacrifices, the family was all happy to make the adjustments for the love of their lives.

One trait family and friends and strangers alike all noticed were Rodney’s piercing eyes, seeming to look deep into ones soul.  His large, bright blue eyes would fixate on the eyes of another and hold its gaze.  It has been said by more than one that this transcending trait seemed to be so deeply full of wisdom that it was even startling.  It was as if he would look right through ones eyes into the very heart of that person.

After some months, the family seemed to get into a routine and Rodney seemed to being doing quite well as the months crept closer to his first birthday.  But shortly after this momentous and celebratory occasion, Rodney needed to go back to see his specialist.  He was a very sick little boy, but after about a week in the hospital, the doctors said Rodney was fine to go home.  Upon arriving home, Rodney enjoyed special family time, including playing airplane with his daddy on the floor.

But those happy moments were short-lived.  Rodney developed a fever and was noticeably  very uncomfortable, although he couldn’t say a word.  His mommy and nanna began driving him to his doctor, but it quickly became apparent Rodney was struggling with every breath.  Still in the car, with his mommy holding him close, Rodney took his last labored breath.  News of his passing spread quickly to his daddy and others, and horrific unquenchable grief shrouded those closest to him.  Yet, Rodney was finally pain-free.  Never having walked on earth, he surely ran and leaped into the arms of Jesus, the One Whom he was surely looking for in the souls of those he met.  

It wasn’t long before little Rodney stood before another familiar face...his great uncle.  After a moment of recognition, the larger Rodney must have swept the younger one into his arms and enjoyed showing his namesake around the Kingdom they both now called Home for all eternity.  

The best is yet to come for both of them as their bodies become new and perfect, and as they anticipate welcoming into the Kingdom those who love them beyond words and ache to see them again.

And they truly lived happily ever after.