This week, January 24th, marks the eight year anniversary of the loss of our eight month old son Josiah, who died of a rare heart defect called HLHS. During the time immediately following we asked God the tough questions. "Why me? Why do you let this happen to our family? Why don't you pick on someone else instead?"



However, as time has passed, I find I am asking God different types of questions. The questions eight years removed now sound like: "I wonder who would benefit from hearing our story? Who do I know that has suffered loss recently? What can I share that would give hope for those in crisis?" Here is what I'd like to share today.



Celebrate the Little things

Throughout Josiah's hospitalization, our family learned to celebrate the little things. His medical condition was always going to be difficult, and little victories could lead to great ones. I believe celebration has become a characteristic the Wilson family ethos. Keeping that in mind, here are a four things to celebrate eight years after losing our precious little boy.



1. A little grief lasts a long time

Grief has a way of sneaking up on a person when they least expect it. While this can take a person off-guard, most people see it as a blessing, because it means that we haven't forgotten about the person we love. The pain is real, but it reminds us once again of the depth of the relationship.



2. A little help makes a big difference

Let's face it. Very few of us are good about seeking help from others when we need it. But at some level all of us need a helping hand, or a shoulder to cry on from time to time. It is important to remember that when interacting with your circle of relationships. Help someone today, and have an impact for many tomorrows.



3. A little trauma does every marriage good

This one is tough to acknowledge, but it is as true as anything else I might list here. The day(s) our son needed open heart surgery, or even day he died was not as traumatic to our relationship, as the months of emptiness that followed. Still, looking back from on the other side, surviving those emotion-less moments has made our desire and passion for one another more real than ever.



4. A little hope illuminates a great distance

Josiah lived his entire eight months on this planet somewhere on the bubble between dire emergency and urgent critical care. As his parents, this could feel incredibly defeating. However, a little good news, a tiny ray of hope was enough to sustain us for days and days. My good news, my ray of hope in this life is found in Jesus. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." Heb 6:19



What are the little things you need to celebrate today?