A Letter to My Dying Brother: Isaiah’s Adventure Part 9

My little Isaiah. You are so very brave. I always knew you would become a true warrior for Jesus. That’s what your Hawaiian name means: Kekoakuwale, Warrior Who Stands Alone.

Daddy gave you that name because it reminded him of a quote the Church father, Athanasius said. Do you remember reading about him during our history time together? He stood for God’s truth even when he knew he might be killed because of it. He said: “It is not the world against Athanasius, it is Athanasius against the world!”

Isaiah, you are fighting a battle right now that I can’t even begin to imagine. But know this little buddy: I love you so so much, and even though you and I might be scared, we are in the hands of a Great God who loves you, and died for you, and rose again for you, and has drawn you to himself. Jesus was smitten with sorrows and afflicted. He wept. He ached. He bled. He died and He lives. He lives for you, and He will manifest His glory in you no matter what happens.

You are so incredibly gifted in so many ways, little brother. As I’m lying in your big, empty bed (the most comfortable mattress in the house….we were always a little envious), and I read your book, Heaven, I can’t help but praise God for the amazing mind and heart He has given you, to reach out for and grasp such great truths at your age.

You have always sought the great truths. The puzzling universal questions that pummel our brains into pudding and matchsticks. The random scientific quandrum. Math. You actually like it. You are always telling us jokes you “made up”. You have favorites….we hear them allll the time. I can’t remember them all. You have to get better so you can tell them to me again, okay? So that I can remember.

We’re going to read the story you’re writing tomorrow before we come visit you in the hospital. You were just telling me the plot the other day….something about battles and swords and dragon fire and being brave when facing monsters. I think that’s the best thing you could ever write about. I can’t wait to read it tomorrow with all your sisters. Your stories are so imaginative and vibrant. As full of life as you always are.

We still have your sweet sign you made for Quincey on the chalkboard for when she came home from the doctors the other day. We’re going to leave it up there until we can write a welcome home sign for you.

We love you so so much little brother. All of us are praying for you. You’re being so brave, so tough, so strong. Such a good warrior for Jesus. Just always remember: He has won the war. This is a battle you can’t lose. He has won the victory for you. He has slain the dragon. You are not just a brave warrior, you are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you. He has you inscribed in the palms of his hands.

I love you more than words can say!
Your Sister, Sydney