I saw my wife come faithfully to visit my gravesite almost daily. Some days she would just sit, some days she would pace, some days she would lay down on a blanket and relax in the sunshine. Most days she would cry. I remember one particular day when she broke down and told me how she couldn’t do this life anymore. This life without me and this life of raising our sons on her own.

 

I saw my sons struggling. I saw how my sudden absence rocked their world. I saw how angry and sad they were and how they took it all out on her. They didn’t know any better.

 

That’s when I knew it was time. It was time to send her you. It was time to send you to my sons.

 

I saw how you slowly entered their lives, letting her take the lead on getting to know my sons. I saw how patient you were with the process and how gentle you were with their broken hearts, all 3 of them. I saw the connection you quickly made with my sons. I never doubted there wouldn’t be one. 

 

I saw how you respected me as their Dad from the very beginning. I saw you make a commitment in front of my family and my closest friends to love my wife and my sons all while keeping me a part of their lives. I saw her become your wife and them your sons.

 

Now I still see you.

 

I see you at every basketball game. You’re cheering for them in the stands and taking pictures. I see you coaching on the baseball field and doing all you can at home to help with their batting skills. I see them still catching fish and exploring the outdoors. I see you leading my family spiritually and taking them to church. I see how hard you work to provide for them. I see how well you love and parent your own children all while treating my two as your own as well.   

 

I see them when they give their mom attitude and when they fight with each other. I see you correct them.

 

I know it can’t be easy to raise my sons. I’m sure you doubt yourself often. You wonder if you are doing enough for them and mostly if you are doing them right by me.

 

You are.

 

And I thank you.

 

Thank you for being there when I can’t be. Thank you for picking up where I left off. Thank you for lessening my wife’s tears and for filling the void in my sons’ lives.

 

My life was complete when those boys came into my world. The two of them and their mom were the reason I lived. Now they are yours.

 

Thank you for being the Dad on earth of my sons.

 

Sincerely,

Their Dad in Heaven