A Message for Noah

Once upon a time, there was a little boy, Noah, and his sister, Faith, who lived in Heaven a very long time ago. They lived there with their family waiting for the day when they could be born and live on earth with their mom and dad.

One day Noah and Faith were playing in the Celestial Gardens. This was their favorite place to be because of the beautiful ever blooming roses that reminded them of their mother who was already on earth.

As they walked through the maze of rose bushes Faith paused looking up at her brother and asked, "Who do you think will be born first?

Noah thoughtfully smiled at Faith and said, "I will be born first, of course."

"Why?" Faith asked, frowning slightly.

"Well," Noah began, "I am your brother. I should be born first so that I can be your 'big' brother."

Faith began to smile, "What would you do as my big brother?"

"I would love you and watch over you. I would hold you when you were sad or lonely. I would protect you from harm. And, I would do all the things big brother should do."

"Okay," Faith began, "If you get to be born first, I get to return to Heaven first so that I can prepare a Hero's Homecoming. Because you would be a hero to me if you do all these things."

They continued to walk upon the path that wound around the roses and then found a bench at the far end; closest to the cloudy borders of Heaven. Looking down on earth, Noah and Faith sat side by side holding hands for a long while. They just sat there and smiled. For they loved each other very much.

One day the great bells rang through heaven announcing the marriage of two people. Faith and Noah ran to the Great Hall to find out who was getting married. When they go there the Great Hall was already full of others who were waiting to go to earth. Everyone was excited to hear who was getting married.

As the Angel Gabriel walked out onto the grand balcony the whole hall became so quiet you could hear the ping of a pin drop. When Gabriel made the announcement, Faith and Noah could hardly believe their ears. Their mom and dad had found each other and were getting married. They reached for each other and hugged each other so tight they could hardly breathe.

As Noah held his sister he said, "You know what this means, don't you? Our family on earth has just begun."

"Does this mean you'll be leaving soon?" Faith asked with tears in her eyes.

"Yes, but you will come soon after. We won't be parted for long." Noah squeezed Faith tight and said, "I love you and I will watch over you. I promise."

Faith and Noah continued to live in Heaven while waiting to be born. They visited the Celestial Gardens often. They talked and they played. Mostly they just sat quietly, side by side, holding hands, and smiling.

One day while they were in the Celestial Gardens the Great Hall Matron came. "Noah, it is time to go to earth. Will you please follow me?" Noah stood up and looked down at Faith, "Don't worry, we won't be parted for long."

Faith reached up for his hand, "I know, but I'll still miss you. I will look for you every day. I will blow you kisses in the sunshine and send you satin bows in the rain until we are reunited."

"I love you, Faith." And then Noah turned to follow the Matron.

Faith watched her brother walk away until he disappeared through the garden gates. Quiet moments passed and then Faith heard the tinkling of the Angel Chines announcing the birth of a new baby. In her heart, she knew it was Noah and she smiled.

In a day or two, the Matron returned to the garden to find Faith. "Faith, dear. Our Father wants to speak with you. Will you follow me?"

Faith stood up and followed the Matron. She was excited to go see her Father and was hoping that this meant she could see her big brother soon.

Faith's little heart began to flutter like tiny butterflies as she followed the Matron through the arches of the Great Hall. In the center of the Great Hall on the great throne, seated peacefully was Father. With a warm smile, he beckoned Faith to come closer.

"I have a special assignment for you on earth. It won't take long and when it is complete I will send for you to work on another assignment here."

Faith looked up at Father a little puzzled and with a slight frown she asked, "Will I get to see my big brother?"

"Oh, yes my dear child," Father reassured.

Faith smiled back, waiting for instruction.

"Faith, you will be born into your family on earth and your assignment is to bring that love you feel so deeply for Noah to your parents. Your birth and life with them will be a blessing of faith and trust. When you have completed this task, return and report."

Faith accepted the assignment, "When do I go to earth?"

Father replied, "The Angel Chimes will ring for you tomorrow."

As Faith turned to walk away Father said, "Faith, I love you, and I will watch over you." And then he smiled.

The next day the Angel Chimes did ring and Faith was born into a family with goodly parents. She was so happy to be with her mom and dad. Her mom and dad were very happy too. They had waited for her with great longing.

When dad brought her big brother to the hospital to see her, Faith opened her eyes really big and smiled up at Noah.

"You are pretty," Noah said. "I am your big brother and I love you very much." Faith smiled and reached out for his hand.

"I will protect you and be a good big brother, I promise."

Noah's mom and dad smiled down at their two precious babies. There was so much love that day, the angels and their music rang through the halls and the gardens of Heaven.

The journey to bring Faith into the world had been a long one. Mom and dad had anticipated her birth with great longing and when she was finally born their hearts were brimming.

The next day Father called Faith home to Heaven.

"Father, I have come to report that I have completed my task," Faith said with a smile on her face.

"That is good," Father said. "I have one more thing to ask of you. Send a message to your brother, Noah. Tell him you love him and that you will watch over him and that you won't be parted for long."

Faith did as she was asked.

The years passed for Noah and he grew into a man. He had a family with many children who grew up and had children of their own. The love he felt from his sister his whole life was shared with those he met. Through this very story.

When Noah was wise with age and his hair completely white he heard the sweet chimes calling him home. Faith stood at the gate and took his hand and they walked to their favorite part of the Celestial Gardens and then sat side by side, holding hands and smiling for a long time. But only for a moment, as far as eternity is concerned.

In Loving Memory of Faith Christian Provencio

January 22, 2009 - January 23, 2009