I am so deeply sorry. Holding the memory of a child while reaching a milestone like their 13th birthday carries a specific kind of weight—the "teen" years often bring a new wave of wondering who they would have been.
Even though Natalie only had a short time with you, the love you have for her has clearly remained a constant part of your life. It is beautiful that you are honoring her today.
Since your other children—Seth, Evan, and Ava—are at ages where they might understand this day differently, are you doing anything special as a family to remember her?
Sometimes families find comfort in:
* Lighting a candle or saying a specific prayer during the Harvest Baptist livestream.
* Sharing stories with the boys and Ava about the time you did have with her.
* Doing an act of kindness in her name.
I'm here if you just want to talk more about her or how you’re feeling today. Would you like to share a favorite memory of her, or perhaps a way you usually find peace on her birthday?
That is a beautiful sentiment. There is a special kind of peace in believing she is celebrating in such a wonderful place, surrounded by love.
Since you are a Christian, you might find comfort in the idea that she is in the best possible care, perhaps even watching over you and the rest of the family.
A Quiet Moment for Natalie
If you'd like, you could take a moment today to:
* Write her a letter: Tell her about everything she’s missed and how much she is still loved.
* Say a prayer: Thank God for the time you had and ask for a sense of peace today.
* Look at the flowers: Since you love flowers, maybe picking out a pink bouquet in her honor could be a sweet way to brighten your home for her big day.
Happy 13th Birthday, Natalie.
Would you like me to help you find a specific Bible verse or a short poem that honors a child’s birthday in Heaven?
That is such a comforting and powerful perspective. In many ways, that feeling of her "watching down" bridges the gap between heaven and earth—it means she hasn't truly missed anything because she’s been right there with you for every milestone.
Viewing it that way changes the day from one of "what might have been" to a celebration of her ongoing presence in your hearts. She’s seen you return to college, she’s seen her siblings grow, and she’s seen the love you continue to pour into your family.
Honoring Her Presence
Since she is watching over you, today can be a simple, beautiful acknowledgement of that bond:
* A Simple "Hello": Just a quiet word or a prayer to let her know you feel her nearby.
* Pink Flowers: Since you love pink and flowers, having some in the house today could be a lovely "wink" back at her—a way of saying, "I know you're here."
* A Family Acknowledgment: Mentioning to the kids that Natalie is watching over their day can be a sweet way to include her in the household energy.
She is 13 in Heaven today, and that connection you feel is a testament to a mother's love that never fades.
Would you like to look at some comforting scripture or perhaps a poem that speaks to the idea of a loved one watching over us from above?
That is such a beautiful and comforting thought. It fits perfectly with the verse you're thinking of, which is one of the most tender moments in the Gospels.
The Verse You’re Thinking Of
The most famous version is from Matthew 19:14:
> "But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"
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In the King James Version (which you might recognize from church), it says:
> "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
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Why This is So Special Today
There are a few reasons this verse is particularly meaningful for Natalie's 13th birthday:
* She is in the Best Care: The verse shows that Jesus has a special, protective love for children. It suggests that they are not just "guests" in Heaven, but that the Kingdom actually belongs to them.
* A "Cloud of Witnesses": There is another verse in Hebrews 12:1 that talks about being "surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses." Many people, like yourself, feel this means our loved ones are in the "grandstands" of Heaven, cheering us on and watching over us.
* The "Child of David" Comfort: When King David lost his infant son, he said in 2 Samuel 12:23, "I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." It’s a powerful promise of a future reunion—that she is waiting there, watching and ready to welcome you one day.
It’s lovely to think that while you are wishing her a Happy Birthday from here, she is experiencing the fullness of that Kingdom Jesus described.
Would you like me to find a short prayer or a poem that incorporates that "watching down" feeling for you to read today?
You are absolutely right. That foundational faith—knowing that to be "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord"—changes everything. It turns a day like today into a celebration of where she is, rather than just a mourning of where she isn't.
It’s that core Christian hope that the soul is eternal. While her physical journey here was short, her soul is whole, vibrant, and in the presence of the Creator. As you said, she hasn't "missed" the life you’re living; she just has a different, much clearer vantage point now.
There is a beautiful verse in Ecclesiastes 12:7 that speaks directly to what you mentioned:
> "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."
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Knowing that Natalie’s spirit returned to the One who made her—and that she is truly alive in His presence—is such a powerful source of peace. It makes that "Happy Birthday" you sent up to Heaven feel very direct and heard.
It’s a blessing to have that kind of certainty. Do you find that listening to certain hymns or songs helps you feel even closer to that truth on days like today?
And I thought of how ya know God is the ultimate creator. Just because I was the earthly parent… she has a Heavenly Father. Like all of us do. Hope that makes sense.
That makes perfect sense, and it is a profound way to look at it. It takes the pressure off our "earthly" understanding and places her in the hands of the One who designed her soul in the first place.
In a way, it’s like she’s just home with her True Father. While you were the one chosen to carry her and love her here, she has always belonged to Him. It’s a beautiful realization because it means she is being loved with a perfect, Fatherly love that is even greater than what we can imagine on earth.
As a mom, there is a certain peace in "releasing" that care to God. You don’t have to worry about her being lonely, or hurt, or missing out, because she is with the Ultimate Parent.
Biblical Comfort for that Thought:
* Psalm 139: This reminds us that He "knit her together" in your womb. He knew her before you even did.
* Galatians 4:6: Reminds us that because we are His children, we can call Him "Abba, Father." It’s a very humble and faithful perspective to acknowledge that we are stewards of our children, but God is their eternal Father. It sounds like you are finding a lot of strength in your identity as a daughter of God today, too.
Is this a perspective you’ve held for a long time, or did it bring you a new sense of calm this morning as you were thinking of her?
Also Jesus takes care of me
That is the most important truth of all. It’s one thing to know God is the Creator, but it’s another thing entirely to feel Jesus personally taking care of you—especially on a day that carries so much emotion.
It’s like He is standing right in the middle of it all: holding Natalie in Heaven and holding your hand here on Earth.
In the Bible, Jesus is described as the Good Shepherd. A shepherd doesn't just watch from a distance; He stays close, He leads you to quiet waters when you’re tired, and He makes sure you’re safe. As you navigate Natalie’s 13th birthday, it sounds like you are feeling that "peace that surpasses all understanding" because you know He has you.
It reminds me of Matthew 11:28:
> "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
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You’ve been through a lot, from raising your kids to working hard at your jobs over the years, and now reaching this milestone for Natalie. It's beautiful that your faith allows you to rest in the fact that you don't have to carry it alone. He is taking care of your daughter, and He is taking care of your heart.
Would you like to listen to a specific worship song today, or maybe I could find a prayer that thanks Him for His care over both you and Natalie?
You gotta put Jesus first
That is the absolute truth. When you put Him first, everything else—the grief, the joy, the daily life with Nathan and the kids—finds its proper place. It’s like a compass; when He is at the center, you can navigate even the hardest days because your foundation doesn't shake.
Living with a "Jesus first" heart means you aren't just looking at Natalie’s 13th birthday through the eyes of loss, but through the eyes of eternity. It changes the way you see your family and even how you handle the memories of her.
As it says in Matthew 6:33:
> "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
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You’re setting such a strong example of faith for your children by leaning into that truth today. By honoring Jesus first, you’re honoring the one who is currently looking after Natalie.
I’m so glad we could talk about this today. It’s clear that your faith is a rock for you. Would you like me to find a specific prayer of thanks for the way He has sustained you and kept Natalie safe in His kingdom?
