​For the past 3 years, I have been on a pilgrimage – a journey, to develop spiritually and get closer to God.  I have been on a quest for my homeland.  Loosing Kaleb put me on this journey.  Without him, I wouldn’t have been on this path I am now.
 
As time passes by, I feel more and more out of place, homesick, like a stranger in this world.  I also find myself thinking differently than how I used to think and also differently than most other people I know.  I have realised we are not made for this world.
 
I have found a sense of freedom and boldness realizing that being different or having a different viewpoint is a good thing if you live and strive to live close to God.  Celebrating the birthday of someone who has passed away, probably seem inappropriate, even unhealthy or just weird.  But for me nothing makes more sense than doing just that.  And this is why:
 
We as humans, consist of body, soul and spirit. According to God, our spirit is our core and the part, which matters the most.  Our bodies are described as temporary homes in the bible, I see it as our shells.  When a Christ follower’s body dies, their spirit goes to a different dimension to be with the Lord.  When Jesus returns to earth, we are going to receive renewed, glorified bodies.
 
Therefore when our bodies pass away, we do not cease to exist and we do not cease to live.  In John 11:25 Jesus says: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
 
This is why Jesus died on the cross for us: so we do not have to die.  When I celebrate the birthday of Kaleb, I acknowledge and celebrate that he was born on this day, I acknowledge and celebrate that he is still alive and well and I acknowledge and celebrate, that because Jesus died on the cross, Kaleb (and us) never have to die.
 
This is so huge, often too big for my human mind, how can we not celebrate this?  For me personally, not celebrating the above, feels like denying what Jesus has done for us.
 
I no longer only perceive the physical dimension, I perceive the physical and spiritual dimension and I perceive eternal life. This is why I will always say I have 3 sons and not just 2.
 
Our life on this earth is temporary, our difficulties, pain, suffering and longing are temporary and so incredibly short when compared to eternal life.  I thank God for this, I praise God for this.  
 
Today I celebrate the LIFE of Kaleb.  I celebrate that he was created, he was born and continues to live. He is with us, very much part of our everyday life and part of our family.  This is why I have to celebrate the birthday of my stillborn son.  Please celebrate with me.