happy birthday tyler

today is a special day.

it is tyler rumley's 3rd birthday.

for tyler & his family,

this birthday is a little different.

rather than blowing out the candles on his cake today,

he is celebrating in heaven.

on june 24th, 2009,

jesus took tyler to live with him in heaven.

at just 4 1/2 months old,

the loss of this sweet, young life was devastating and tragic.

(you can read the story of precious tyler's life here on his mommy's beautiful blog)

tyler was such a gift to his family

and everyone who met this adorable baby.

with his mommy's eyes and a giggle that melted your heart-

he was love.

so today is different.

today is hard.

in stark contrast to celebrating charlotte yesterday,

i mourn for my friends as today they grieve what was and is not.

last night as charlotte blew out the candles on her ice cream,

my mind was full of how much she'd grown this year, all joy she brings,

and wonder at what the coming year would have for her.

i cannot imagine losing a child.

celebrating his birthday,

wondering what kind of 3 year old he would have been.

i know that is a loss you never get over.

my heart aches as i think of what today must feel like for tyler's mommy & daddy.

what i do know is that tyler was a gift from the lord.

his life, though so much shorter than we would have wished,

has touched so many people.

brought them to a saving knowledge of christ.

deepened the faith of many, myself included.

watching my best friends walk through tragedy, 

yet never taking their eyes of christ 

has taught me so much about true faith regardless of circumstance.

last saturday,

the rumleys welcomed their 4th little boy into the family.

beckham ryan came a few weeks early,

surprising everyone.

he is absolutely beautiful.

i think he has his mommy's eyes.

tyler's eyes.

i always marvel at god's timing.

i am grateful that today,

as my friends grieve the loss of tyler,

they also get to hold tiny beckham in their arms.

a reminder of god's faithfulness.

beckham doesn't lessen tyler's loss,

but my prayer is that he helps them find joy in the midst of their sorrow.

sweet little beckham.  see more of this little guy's hospital pics here

happy birthday, sweet tyler james rumley.

we miss you every single day

and can't wait to celebrate with you someday in heaven.