"Brave Little Soul"

The Brave Little Soul by John Alessi

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. She especially enjoyed the love she saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day she saw suffering in the world. She approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?" God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people's hearts." The little soul was confused. "What do you mean," she asked. God replied, "Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone." The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, "The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle for the good of all humanity."

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain herself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied. "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!" God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you". God and the brave soul shared a smile, and then embraced.

In parting, God said, "Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed." Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through her suffering and God's strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys, some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.

The last few weeks I have been wondering if Ellie was only supposed to be here for those nine months and nine days. I wonder if the plan for her was only to be here just a short time. Of course, this isn't what I want. If I could have it my way, she would be here with us everyday and every minute until Dave and I were old and went ahead of her. But obviously, we don't get our way. Maybe, we aren't being cheated out of everything we think we are. Maybe we weren't ever supposed to get to celebrate her first birthday, first day of kindegarten, see her in her wedding dress, love her children. I still feel cheated, don't get me wrong. A parent should never bury their baby. It doesn't take away all my questions about why- why did it have to be Ellie? Why did it have to be our daughter? Why couldn't we get at least get one Halloween, one Thanksgiving, one Christmas, one birthday? But somehow, right now, in my mind, it's a little bit easier to accept Ellie's sudden death if I look at it as part of a bigger plan. We have definitely seen how Ellie has unlocked the love in people. We have received an incredible outpouring of support and unexpecting kindess, especially from distant friends and complete strangers. I always knew there was something special about our Peanut. Maybe it was because she was a "brave little soul."



Is that a halo?