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It's very easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed in life. But it's important to remember that all the hardships and challenges we overcome on earth are just part of the journey that will lead us to Heaven. And one recent photo captured this point so meaningfully.
A photo shared on Facebook by Mum Central shows a headstone a father had made for his young son, depicting his son "free of his earthly burdens."
The headstone, which shows a child standing on his wheelchair and reaching up to the sky, reminds us that everything we endure, whether physically or mentally, on earth is only momentary. And that is the joy that we as Catholics can hold on to during our time on earth.
Recalling another young inspirational boy
The image is also reminiscent of the near-death experience of another young boy who relied on a wheelchair. The youngster, called Jonathan, had various physical disabilities and on one occasion was medically dead for a short space of time.
However in that precious moment, he recounted to his mother how he'd arrived in "Jesus' Garden" and was able to run and walk, and climb trees. Although he was resuscitated, the whole experience left him impatient to die again!
Thankfully, he is still with us, and is inspiring others with his faith and his experience of a life in which he is unable to speak, has extremely limited movement, and relies on his eyes to communicate. His story, which we shared in the past, is unique, and definitely worth the read. It reminds us to embrace what we have, as God has given us a purpose here on earth.