It was a big day in Heaven. Maybe one the biggest. You didn’t know this. Neither did I.
After all, you and I were merely going about our day, here on earth. We were doing our thing. Walking around the planet. Driving our vehicles. Buying stuff we need. Visiting Publix. Taking kids to school. Cooking supper. Making important phone calls. Paying bills. Buying hemorrhoid cream. Whatever.
Meanwhile, something huge was happening On High. Something astronomical.
You see, our lives here on Earth are so small. Sure, I know it seems like you and I are the center of the Solar System, but we aren’t. Our lives, our schedules, our concerns, our problems, they are all so paltry in comparison to the Hereafter.
It all began this morning. Heaven’s big party was scheduled for 7 a.m. There were posters all over. Even posters plastered on the Mother-of-Pearl Gates.
Everyone was coming to this party. And I mean everyone. This was going to be a party with a capital P.
All week, the angels have been fluttering around, getting everything just so. Saint Peter even booked a band. The band included the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Glenn Miller, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Strauss, Debussy, and Hank Senior was on vocals.
There was an all-you-can eat buffet that was about the size of six U.S. states. One of the administrative angels ordered an ice sculpture that was about the size of Des Moines.
There were trillions—no—centillions of people who gathered. More people than you can imagine. So many people that, when you looked into the distance, the entire horizon was made of heads.
There was an electricity in the air you could feel. The clock was showing 6:58 a.m., Earth time. Everyone was ready.
Then, suddenly, the back of the crowd started going nuts. The roar was deafening. Not figuratively, but worse, metaphorically.
Because God was coming to the party.
God wasn’t going to miss this shindig. He came escorted by cherubim and seraphim, parting through the throngs like Moses crossing the Red Sea.
It’s funny. Nobody ever expects God to look the way he does. People think of him like Charleton Heston. But, contrary to popular belief, God is not an Anglo-Saxon male who speaks Shakespearean English and looks like a celestial Santa Claus. He’s much more. The truth is, it doesn’t matter what He looks like. The point is: He’s God. End of story.
Everyone freaked out when He arrived. Soon, the whole crowd was screaming and shouting.
God hushed everyone. Because it was time.
“Will’s coming!” one angel shouted.
The crowd hushed. The band assumed its positions. Horn players pressed mouthpieces against lips. Woodwind players placed reeds into mouths. String players placed bows onto the strings. Johannes Brahms held his conductor’s baton high. Rachmaninov sat at the piano.
The gates opened.
Through the gates walked a young man. A teen. He was shy, and soft spoken. The kid came from Florida. His name was Will Carpenter.
Childhood cancer is what killed him. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. It is a rare cancer, especially among kids. About 3 percent of childhood cancers are alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS).
But, as you can see, Will Carpenter is not dead. Not even a little bit. The cancer did not win. Because Will Carpenter is more alive than he will ever be.
The first one to greet Will at the gate was the Big Guy Himself. God approached the kid. The band began to play “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”
The maker of Heaven threw His arms around the young man.
“Oh, Will,” said His Majesty.
Then, without another thought, God pressed Will’s head into his massive chest and said, “I’ve been waiting for you, son.”
Everyone was smiling. Everyone was happy. Everyone was screaming. There are no human words to describe the level of joy experienced within the celestial realms this morning at 7 a.m.
They say there are no tears in heaven. But, oh, how they lied.
98 comments
kathy thomson - February 1, 2023 3:31 am
beautiful post, as always.
nicole lynn - February 1, 2023 1:58 pm
There are a lot of tears on earth too in honor of Will. May God give courage to the family and friends left behind. I feel as if I lost a treasure by not knowing Will…
Christine Gardner - February 1, 2023 3:34 am
Thank you for sharing this young man’s journey on earth and the one to heaven. ❤️🙏🏻
Laurie Rafferty Pallotta - February 1, 2023 3:35 am
Oh my. This one got me. I don’t know how you do it time and again, but you did it. Thank you for reminding us of the celebration waiting for us.
John broussard - February 1, 2023 3:37 am
Sean, I sure miss having you around. Ytug ou haven’t lost your touch, you always bring the overwhelming “feels”.
Patricia Gibson - February 1, 2023 3:40 am
God give Will’s family strength in their time of grief🙏Hallelujah Will is pain free now💕
Cynthia Thomas - February 1, 2023 3:44 am
Oh my goodness! These tears are flowing ! Beautifully written. Just beautiful ❤️
Linda Sorensen - February 1, 2023 3:46 am
God’s blessings on Will’s family.
Stacey Wallace - February 1, 2023 3:51 am
I am happy for Will, even through these tears. Praying for his family. Thanks, Sean. Love to you, Jamie, Marigold, Otis Campbell, and Thelma Lou.
Monica Jamison - February 1, 2023 3:51 am
Such a beautiful tribute to Will Carpenter and his indomitable spirit. When I read about him the first time, I wrote to him and I hope my silly story about a cat who loved little socks and shiny things made him laugh, and laugh, and laugh. Thanks for sharing his story. Monica Jamison, Olin, Iowa
Phyllis Weaver - February 1, 2023 3:52 am
This blog was special. Thanks for putting a smile on my face daily!
Jessica - February 1, 2023 4:10 am
I have lots of family who were at that party. Welcome to the table, Will.
Nancy Colin - February 1, 2023 4:13 am
Thank you! Beautiful.
Sue Winter - February 1, 2023 4:23 am
I hope Will liked all our cards … God bless him …and God bless you, Sean, for giving us a chance to meet Will. . .
Helene Mewborn - February 1, 2023 4:32 am
So Sad to hear this follow-up story of Will for those of us left behind. But a truly beautiful tribute!
Thank you, Sean.
Melanie - February 1, 2023 4:37 am
I’m so sorry for the loss of this brave young boy. Prayers to help comfort his friends and family. And you, Sean.
My Odd Family - February 1, 2023 4:56 am
I hope Will’s family takes comfort in your post. I trust that you have a connection with Will’s family and I do not. But as an outsider it hurts to think of God throwing a party while Will’s family is heartbroken. My God would let the angels welcome sweet Will while he/she went to the family and walked with them through their grief. Hugging them tightly and assuring them how much he/she loved them and their son.
R Wynn - February 1, 2023 12:35 pm
Our God is omnipotent and omnipresent. I believe he can, does, and did both party with Will and comfort the family. I have no doubt that his family feels the love from all of God’s messengers here on earth as well as a peace that passes all understanding from the love of God.
Dawn C. - February 1, 2023 1:16 pm
But that is God appearing through Sean, painting a wonderful picture of the reception that was held in Will’s honor, what a great “picture” for his parents and family to imagine and be reassured with, and with all of Sean’s readers saying prayers for his family, what warmth they must feel, those prayers are the hugs from God, walking with them, that is God’s work. God’s work is shown in all different kinds of way.
Brenda McCutchen - February 1, 2023 2:36 pm
God IS with them. I know because I Asked Him to be there. He has no limitations or restrictions!
Debbie Roberts - February 1, 2023 4:58 am
Thank you for letting us know that Will is safely HOME
Ann Chumley - February 1, 2023 5:02 am
What a wonderful picture you have given us.
Vanessa - February 1, 2023 5:08 am
Thank you for telling us of the big event, Sean. What a gift you have given Will’s family, and the rest of us, as well. Beautifully written!
Jan - February 1, 2023 5:16 am
Thank you for the beautiful description of Will’s homecoming! May they bring some comfort to all those who were blessed to know him.
Gigi - February 1, 2023 6:00 am
What a wonderful description of Will’s Welcome Home party ! I hope it brings comfort to his family.
William Peacock - February 1, 2023 6:07 am
Very good as usual im amazed at what you think up
Anne Trawick - February 1, 2023 6:08 am
Makes me look forward to my own celestial homecoming!
🇿🇦Norma Den - February 1, 2023 6:21 am
Just how I imagined my beloved brother Rob was welcomed when he took that final journey at age 93. A true man of God, a brother beyond all measure and never ever forgotten. The party will carry on..
Joretta S Parker - February 1, 2023 7:24 am
Aww Sean, I was wandering how Quiett Will was doing. I sent him a card. My prayers are with his family at this time. I’m sure that was one big party!
Melissa Brown - February 1, 2023 8:08 am
What a Blessing this story will be to Will’s dear family & friends. So beautifully written, Sean.
Tim - February 1, 2023 8:32 am
Where their is a Will
there is a way.
Last Will & Testament.
Testify.
Carol from GA - February 1, 2023 9:17 am
Between all the cards we sent because of you and the vision of Will’s welcome home party… you have given his family a wonderful gift Sean.
Mitzi - February 1, 2023 10:23 am
Thank you, for gifts to the morning.
Annette T - February 1, 2023 10:25 am
Thanks for sharing. I have tears running down my cheeks
Anne Arthur - February 1, 2023 10:29 am
A beautiful tribute to Will. What a heavenly welcome! I am praying for his family, who has to wait until they see him again. May God grant them strength and peace.
Debbie - February 1, 2023 10:43 am
May Will be at peace and God’s blessings to his family and friends. Beautiful tribute and wonderful reminder.
Sandra Mattucci - February 1, 2023 11:29 am
Thank you Sean…
I can ‘feel’ the energy of the party that’s happening and I also am shedding tears for ALL those who loved Will…
I’m appreciative of the invitation you extended to us weeks ago to send a message his way!
Blessings
Gwen - February 1, 2023 11:35 am
My son’s name is Will. He has a birthday today! ❤️😭
Diana - February 1, 2023 11:57 am
The tears of flowing this morning.
Janice Whittle Dye - February 1, 2023 11:57 am
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to Will and letting us know this. I, like countless others, sent a card when you first wrote about him. I’m not sure you understand the impact this little blog of yours has on all of us. I’m sure it means the world to Will’s family today.
Charlene Abbott - February 1, 2023 12:01 pm
When you first wrote about Will a few weeks ago, I took time that day to write to him. I’m sure his mailbox was flooded because of the inspiration you gave us to let him know there are many who were praying for him. Your vision of his homecoming was beautiful and I hope it, along with the many letters and cards sent, will be comfort to his grieving family and friends. God bless you, Sean. Your heart is certainly in the right place.
Robin - February 1, 2023 12:26 pm
Beautiful!
lesliehanson411hotmailcom - February 1, 2023 12:28 pm
Will was the young man you had written about a little while ago! I am sure he was the cause of much joy in heaven but oh, so sad for those of us here on earth. You brought him to life for us and now we mourn his loss. Thank you for giving us a little peak at this brave young man. My God give his family strength during this loss, the kind of strength He gifted Will. Thank you once again for sharing.
Ann - February 1, 2023 12:34 pm
And now, here on earth! Sadly, joyfully beautiful…thank you, Sean..Amen!
Mary Mahan Deatherage - February 1, 2023 12:43 pm
Thank you for sharing this story. I sent Will a letter and a few photos of my family and town in northern Illinois so he would know how hard we were praying for him and his family.
Thank you for your beautiful words that paint such a lovely picture, Sean.
Sonya Tuttle - February 1, 2023 12:44 pm
Your words are truly Heaven inspired!
Sandra Messersmith - February 1, 2023 12:47 pm
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Nancy - February 1, 2023 12:49 pm
I prayed for Quiet Will before reading this post, and now I will pray for the most overwhelming sense of peace for his family and that they know that peace can only come from God. Thank you Sean for your beautiful post.
Gigi22 - February 1, 2023 1:00 pm
Beautiful tribute♥️♥️
Walt wells - February 1, 2023 1:10 pm
My wife and I would like to go to one of your shows. Is there a schedule of appearances you can send me? Or some other way I can get the info? Walt.wells4@gmail.com
Ruth - February 1, 2023 1:10 pm
Dear Sean, I know your beautiful, fun and precious thoughts are a blessing & comfort to his family. It makes us smile through the tears. You care deeply and it comes out in your writing. Others care deeply too and I read that in their comments.
As the apostle Paula said:
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”. He has welcomed his lamb, Will, into heavenly delight.
Thank you once again and God bless you, and your family🙏
Barbara - February 1, 2023 1:16 pm
Blessed child of God
Gayle - February 1, 2023 1:19 pm
Praise God! And Sean may you be blessed among all for giving us a picture painted in words of Will’s entry into the Heavenly Realms. Prayers for Will’s family.
julieannhall - February 1, 2023 1:24 pm
Praying for Will’s family to find comfort and for every life that Will touched to see the Light of Christ.
Priscilla Rodgers - February 1, 2023 1:53 pm
I know this doesn’t make Will’s family miss him any less but oh to hear of his homecoming! How exciting. Thank you Sean.
Deacon Nick - February 1, 2023 2:27 pm
Sean, well done! Quote from The Jerusalem Bible, Chapter 4, verse 17: Yahweh your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exalt with joy over you, he will renew you with his love; he will dance with shouts of joy for you as on a day of festival.
Debbe Sharpe Dedman - February 1, 2023 2:46 pm
Beautiful.
I mailed Will a card. Don’t know if he got it or not, but what a courageous and sweet young man.
rdo333 - February 1, 2023 2:48 pm
Amazing story I had this cancer at 37 it is considered incurable but through prayers God healed me I will be 90 in July.
LAMAR Martin - February 1, 2023 2:50 pm
This I liked😇😇
Pubert Earle Bozemann - February 1, 2023 3:05 pm
Pone, really great for you to do that for Will and his family. That’s the only way you can look at something like that. Glad the child is at peace.
Your friend,
Pubert
Debbie - February 1, 2023 3:18 pm
My next card for Quiet Will is on my desk ready to be written. Now I will send it to his family to let them know that I will continue to pray for them. Quiet Will is now in heaven, but oh how we will miss him.
Ann Davis - February 1, 2023 3:21 pm
Nothing can be more beautiful than this – especially when I think about all the children who have died from cancer- the pain that you see them going through – the pain of losing them here on earth – but this brings the joy of a life everlasting, Thank you. Tears of Joy!!
Larry - February 1, 2023 3:23 pm
Your prose will bring another level of peace to so many of us who’ve lost loved ones young and old.
Thank you, brother.
Beverly Negri - February 1, 2023 3:28 pm
Sean,
Thank you for letting us know Will is good and no longer suffering.
Pilgrim Jax FL - February 1, 2023 3:29 pm
Thank you for the update.
I sent a card with the Scripture verse Jeremiah 29:11.
I knew His Plan for Will Carpenter was good.
Lisa - February 1, 2023 3:32 pm
Thank you for sharing; I’ve had a sticky note on my bible with Quiet Will’s name and address since you first told us about him. Continued prayers and love to Will, and to everyone that loved him.
David Britnell - February 1, 2023 3:49 pm
Beautiful! Much love to Will’s family.
Arelene Mack - February 1, 2023 4:07 pm
I sent Will and his family an encouraging note when you let us know about him, and have included the family in my prayers. Yes, I believe our homegoing will be very similar to your description – only better!
Welton Renee - February 1, 2023 4:09 pm
😢💙😢💙😢💙
Tiffany - February 1, 2023 4:16 pm
I had two dear friends lose their 17 year old boys in 2020. One of sudden illness, the other a senseless accident, his body never recovered. I have another friend who lost her husband and only daughter who was also 17 in 2020, in a paddleboard accident. Thank you for the image of the party. I like thinking that people that are so dearly missed here had a huge huge party awaiting them when they got home.
Diane - February 1, 2023 4:38 pm
So beautiful! You have no idea how you lifted my heartZ!
Holly Moore - February 1, 2023 5:33 pm
Oh Sean…this was….ummm…WOW! I can’t wait! Thank you for sharing your gift with us! Much love from the Gump!
Stacey Edwards - February 1, 2023 5:44 pm
😭😭💖 Prayers for Will’s family! His fight is over. He has won the battle! Beautiful tribute Sean!
Jackie Wolfe - February 1, 2023 6:04 pm
Prayers for Will’s family. How wonderful, in the presence of God!!!
Judy - February 1, 2023 6:11 pm
Oh my!!
Love to Will and the family. Heaven just got better, if possible
Linda Moon - February 1, 2023 6:18 pm
I’m so glad you introduced me to Quiet Will Carpenter. I’m privileged to have met him through you. I hope the band will play some Eric Clapton when I meet up with Will!
billprather,Ga. - February 1, 2023 6:41 pm
You hit this one out of the park!!
Bill
Karen - February 1, 2023 7:58 pm
Will’s family and friends are in my prayers. What a beautiful way to let us know.
Beverly Thompson - February 1, 2023 8:05 pm
Was that Quiet Will, the one you requested us to send cards and letters to? I did. I wrote him a letter. Thank you for suggesting it. I hope he received tons. I am sad for his family and friends who loved him so. His family will appreciate having these loving “paper hugs”. Bev
pattymack43 - February 1, 2023 8:19 pm
God has blessed Will! Praying for Will’s earthly family. They will never be the same. Thank you for your announcement.
Denise - February 1, 2023 11:55 pm
That is such a heartfelt tribute to this young man and what a comfort it must be for his family. A very kind essay that shines on what it looks like to love and care for one another.
MAM - February 2, 2023 2:17 am
Beautiful story, Sean. We are all waiting for our turn to get there – trying hard to be good enough to arrive there. I’m happy for Will, and I hope your writing comforts them in their grief!
Mamacita - February 2, 2023 2:36 am
…and my friend entered about an hour after Will did, Sean. What a glorious picture you painted here. Only it’s not just a picture…it’s all true! I bet none of what you wrote was an exaggeration. Thank you for this vision in my heart of my friend’s Heavenly welcome and massive reception, just like little Will’s.
Karen Snyder - February 2, 2023 4:18 am
What a glorious homecoming for young Will! Adding my prayers that his family and friends who loved him, and will miss his presence here, are comforted by sweet memories and by God’s loving promise that they’ll see Will again one fine day.
Kate ORourke - February 2, 2023 9:33 am
I’m so sad to hear Will lost his battle but I believe he’s in a happy place now. I hope he got my letter and photographs while was well enough to know people cared about him. Thank you for letting us know he is at peace.
Grace - February 2, 2023 12:36 pm
This is sad. Such a fine young man. Will did not need to be here and is once again home, leaving his family, his friends and those of us who were touched to learn of him, in tears. God bless and heal his family!
Jane Tallent Shoultz - February 2, 2023 1:38 pm
I am so disappointed in myself! I saved Will’s address and intended to send him a card, but I never did. Bless this Sweet Soul. Thank you for caring about him and encouraging others to reach out. I wish I had. Rest in Peace, Quiet Will.
Bruce Rogers - February 2, 2023 5:27 pm
WOW!!!!!
MaryLou S Burch - February 2, 2023 6:24 pm
Thank You. so ofter we never hear how a person or story comes out. Yours has a great ending .
Cathy m - February 2, 2023 6:38 pm
And God pulled Will’s sweet head to his massive chest. I want to keep that picture in my mind but I can’t see for the tears. To Will’s parents and all who loved him, hang on tight and keep the faith.
johnallenberry - February 2, 2023 7:14 pm
Goodness, you’ve done it again. You’re a good man, brother. I’m so sorry to hear of Will’s passing… but a better send off he could not get. God bless Will. God bless Sean of the South.
Ph.Dude
Allen Berry - February 2, 2023 7:15 pm
God bless Quiet Will. God Bless Sean of the South.
PhDude
Heather Miller - February 3, 2023 12:41 am
Thank you. I’m sure Will’s family will keep this writing of yours close to their hearts and vision for years and years. You are unaware of the wonderful image you have created for them; maybe for all of us. God bless Will’s family, God has already blessed Will.
Debbie Haggerty - February 3, 2023 3:05 pm
My friends just lost a teenage son. I gave this to them. I hope it helps.
Barbosa Oliveira - February 4, 2023 12:12 pm
Very soul-fully written. I’m a father of a 13 year old and, oh boy, how touching this article, reflection, whatever, is! Thank you for the sensibility of putting in ways that we can maybe imagine but never write! Peace!
Lisa Loew - February 5, 2023 1:31 am
I had the chills !
denise - February 5, 2023 1:45 am
Nuf said.
Linda L. Blass - March 22, 2024 10:54 pm
A beautiful story. Tears filled as I thought of a dear nephew taken too soon on the anniversary of his welcoming party.