I honestly believe that Johnathon knew that he was soon to become an Angel. Just a few weeks prior to his ascent into Heaven, he followed me into my bedroom. As I was folding clothes, my seven (7) year old child very seriously asked me "Mommy, what is Heaven really like?" I was stunned and a bit concerned that he asked me this question in such a serious manner. My children have always regularly attended Sunday School (CCD) and Church. They know God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Without hesitation, I gave him my usual spill on this subject. "Heaven is all cake and ice-cream Johnathon. No more boo-boos, no more sick, no more shots, no more doctor visits...but don't you worry about it right now Johnathon, you have plenty of time to learn, you're little and little kids don't go to Heaven...well, they sometimes do...but you are a healthy little boy and you will be an old PAPAW before you go." I remember that the look on his face told me you're clueless mom!

The Saturday prior to Johnathons ascent into Heaven, on our way to pick up his sister from gymnastics, he and Matthew had a very animated conversation. Sadly, to this day, I can't remember Johnathons exact words. I remember him in the front seat of my car, Matthew in back. I remember saying Hail Marys. Why was I praying The Hail Mary? I didn't know why. I remember Matthew in the back seat reciting my words, "Heaven is Ice-Cream and Cake." I remember Johnathon becoming down right furious...red in the face...and twisting around in his seat belt to scream at Matthew in the backseat "IT IS NOT!!" He then proceeded to describe to Matthew the real description of Heaven.

To this day, I can not remember what he said. That evening, I told both Jeff and Christa what Johnathon had said. Neither of them can remember his description of Heaven either. They both remember me telling them, but neither remember what he said. All that I remember is that Johnathon was absolutely livid with the all "ice-cream and cake" version, and described Heaven to a Tee. I remember thinking at the time, "Where is he getting this from? This sounds too mature for a seven year old to make up. How does he know Heaven so well? I know this description of Heaven was not taught in CCD. I've never heard this, how wonderful...how beautiful..." I asked Johnathon how he knew what Heaven was really like. His exact words to me were...