Kylie s Heavenly Birthday

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2 Kylie s Heavenly Birthday ( A story of faith, love and family ) For Carolyn Inspired by Kylie s portrait of her guardian angel. Printed with permission on the first page of the book Copyright Susan Joyce 2007 All rights reserved ISBN# First American Edition 2007 Heartfelt Thanks: To Cynthia Curtis Harington of Rose Quest Nutrition Centre for encouraging me to share Kylie s book with a broader audience. Your guidance made this project take flight. To Jan Baiden for your unfailing support, kindness and professional expertise. To Julie Trotter Clark of the JT Clark Agency for your generous contribution as the book s designer.

3 Kylie was the light of her family s life She was a fourth grader with a vibrant personality, and she loved school and her friends. Kylie had a big heart and was always the one who comforted those who were hurt, and the one who made friends with the kids who were left out. She loved her family so much. Kylie was Nine when she died after surgery on her heart. Although Kylie s family and friends will miss her always, I hope this story brings some comfort to them and to all families who have lost a dear loved one.

4 Kylie knocked twice on the narrow, gold door, just as she d been instructed. She took a seat in the empty waiting room. She hummed softly and swung her legs beneath her chair to pass the time.

5 Her Guardian Angel had invited her to this special meeting. She hoped she wasn t in trouble. Kylie had been in Heaven for exactly one year by Earth s calendar. If she said so herself, she thought she had adjusted to the rules quite nicely. Rules wasn t exactly the right word. Kylie had special duties and responsibilities just like the other children. There was no weekly allowance, but she didn t mind. In Heaven, caring for others was as natural as coloring pictures had been on Earth.

6 Soon after she arrived in Heaven, she had been chosen as a member of the Welcome Committee. Her Guardian Angel had recommended her for this important position saying she was perfect for the job. Kylie thought it was because she loved to laugh and talked all the time (if you believed what her brother Ryan said.)

7 At Marquette School, Kylie had enjoyed looking after the new kids in her fourth grade class. Someone needed to make sure they didn t sit alone at lunch, or get lost going to the library. Kylie always figured it might as well be her. When new children arrived in Heaven, Kylie quickly learned their names and told them jokes to ease their fears. She asked if they wanted to hold her hand while their eyes adjusted to the light. Don t be afraid, she would whisper to her new friends. You re going to love Heaven. Kylie s thoughts were interrupted by footsteps. The gold door glided open and her Guardian Angel poked out her head and smiled.

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9 Thank you for waiting so patiently, Kylie. Please follow me. Kylie smiled back, relieved that she didn t appear to be in any trouble. She closely followed her Guardian Angel, careful not to disturb the feathers of her angel s majestic, golden wings. She was mesmerized by the fabric of her angel s floor-length cloak. The color was a shimmering blend of gold and silver. When she moved it glowed as if candles were lit beneath it. Violet puffs rested at the top of her shoulders. A violet ribbon ran down the front of her cloak on each side, parting it to reveal a matching gown underneath. Just below the waist of her gown, crimson jewels were sown into the shape of a heart. Her angel directed her to a chair in what appeared to be a private garden. Kylie, do you know why I ve asked to meet with you? Kylie shook her head. How is your birthday present coming along? her angel prompted. I think it s going to be really cool, Kylie beamed. I ve been planning every detail since the moment I heard I could send one. I m really hoping it will help them not miss me so much.

10 It is one of the greatest mysteries in Heaven, her angel explained. You feel as close as ever to your family and friends on Earth, but they often feel such sadness and loss. Is that why God lets us send a gift on our Heavenly Birthday, Kylie asked, so that we can tell our family not to worry? They think September 10th is a sad day, but the birthday gift will bring them comfort and joy, right? Just like in the Christmas song with the merry gentlemen comfort and joy! Something like that, Kylie, responded her angel. I must say I am impressed with your enthusiasm for this project. Please tell me about the gift you ve planned for your family. Kylie leapt from her chair as if she d been ejected. Can I?! I ve been wondering when I would get permission to create the present I ve imagined. Is that why we re meeting? Yes dear. Telling me is the first step.