Today, Jan. 12, is such a blessed day because my husband and my first born child would have been 60 years old. Oh what a wonderful gift he was/ is to the family. Jesus loaned him to us for 55 years but that short time has persisted in a lifetime of memories.

When I woke up this morning I laid in bed giving Jesus thanks. I thanked him for my son, I thanked Him for allowing me the opportunity to raise such a beautiful young man. Charles was/is my heart and I miss him every day. My heart still gets heavy sometimes when I think of him no longer being here but remember, Jesus knows how to comfort us and He does it on a daily basis. So with the pain of losing Charles comes the joy of having him in my life.

When I think about it, Jesus is pretty remarkable. He took a day that could have been filled with sadness and gave my family something to also rejoice about. Jan. 12 also marks the one year anniversary of my cancer surgery and me being cancer free. Hallelujah, thank You Jesus for the blessing! All of my kids were at the hospital that day except for Charles and that sadden me. My daughter Jewel gently reminded me that it was Charles birthday and he is here with us in spirit. All of a sudden I could feel him there whispering “I’m here mama.” When I heard that whisper I knew everything would be all right.

I felt as if Jesus specifically allowed me to hear from my son to ease my anxiety. Jesus is a provider and He knows what to provide in your hour of need. Now just because I heard my son doesn’t mean I wasn’t nervous, but I knew Jesus was in control and He would see me through. His actions let me know that no matter what I am going through, He will find a way to make it all right in the end. With a promise like that, who’s afraid?

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and a sound mind. Jesus loves us so much that He has made many provisions for us.

We love you son, you are gone but you are not forgotten. Thank You Jesus for the blessing of Charles William Simmons, Jr. and thank You Heavenly Father for letting me be one year cancer free; You are truly worthy to be praised! Be blessed in Jesus’ name.

Mary Simmons can be reached at marysimmons@embarqmail. com.