Our grandson died Thursday, the 25th of February, 1982, upon returning from kindergarten at the Immanuel Lutheran School in Waterloo, Iowa. Ryan got off his school bus, walked a block on the sidewalk and began crossing the street in front of another stopped, off-loading school bus.

When he was in front of the bus, the driver started the vehicle which struck him down and caused massive head injuries. Death came instantly without pain.

We would like to share Ryan’s dream with you. Ryan had talked of heaven to his parents on occasion, but always with reservation. “I would miss you and you would miss me,” he would say.

Tuesday night, Ryan had a dream. He told his mother about it the next morning. “Mommy, I had a really great dream last night. I dreamt that I was in heaven. It’s really great and I want to go there.” Wednesday morning he shared his dream with a special friend on the school bus.

That night he also shared his dream with his father. Thursday morning at breakfast, Ryan said to his mother, “Mommy, remember that dream I had? Heaven is really great and I want to go there.” That afternoon, Ryan was killed and his dream was fulfilled.

The Lord had come to take Ryan unto Himself. The Lord does not make mistakes. Yes, we grieve and hurt deeply, but Jesus did also. “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21.

God has given all of us a great gift in Ryan’s dream. His dream is a witness to the world of the reality of heaven. We have also been given grace through his dream to understand, at least partially, the purpose in Ryan’s death.

The Holy Spirit lifted us up by your prayers and gave us strength to endure.

A Suggested Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, I need You. Forgive my sins. I invite You to come into my life. I want to trust You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for hearing and answering this prayer. Amen.

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