We had a precious little boy head to his forever home in Heaven a little over a week ago. Woodley Pantaléon, born November 18, 2010 was a special little boy loved by many. He had many health issues that he struggled with on this earth and was in the care of doctors quite often during his short life. So much so, that we had transferred him to a home with a large medical team on staff that cares for kids with medical problems such as Woodley's. We wanted him to receive the best medical care that he needed, which is hard to find on this side of the island. A few days later we were informed that after a severe seizure, Woodley went home to be with his Father in Heaven. This saddened us, his house mama Emilia, and many others who cared for him tremendously. He was brought back to Jacmel to have a funeral service with his Hands & Feet family on Tuesday.
It is very difficult to put into words all that has gone on and the roller coaster of emotions, so I will share what my husband spoke at Woodley's funeral:
Brothers and sisters, all of us are gathered here to celebrate the life of Woodley. We loved him as our own.
The God that we serve has bigger plans for us than we can imagine. He is sovereign and just in those plans. He knows that every situation and trial is for his glory. They test and refine our faith.
Woodley's short life was a gift to everyone. He has a special place in the heart of his biological family, Mama Emilia, Magalie, Miss Diane and all the rest of us in his Hands and Feet family.
It was a miracle that he survived his first few weeks of life, a miracle that he lived as long as he did, and a miracle that he is now at peace with our eternal father in heaven.
His body is no longer suffering. May we be filled with comfort knowing that he is embraced in the arms of Christ. Woodley knows the future glory that we can all anticipate described in Romans 8: 18-25.
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spriti, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
We love you Woodley, but God loves you more. Welcome home.
