Art work by Linda Lee www.lindaleecreates.com

If the greatest commandment is to love God and love others, then Nathan was one of God’s greatest gifts to our family.  He taught us to slow down and love.  He mattered!

Nathan’s big sister, Jessie Vredevelt Schultz, writes about the vision she had March 3rd, while Nathan laid in ICU, two days after his accident:

“My little brother, Nathan, was in a coma, on full life support, in the pediatric ICU at Emanuel Hospital.  Two days earlier, a car barreling 55 mph down the freeway hit him full force. The devastating impact caused severe brain injury, multiple broken bones, and other vital organ damage.  Our family stayed with Nathan around the clock. We held his hands, stroked his arms, sang of God’s goodness, and talked to Nathan about how much we loved him.

It was a bazaar turn of events. One minute we are in the Rose Garden arena cheering the Portland Trail Blazers, our favorite basketball team, to victory. The next we are rallying groups to search the grounds for Nathan.  I had given him permission to use the bathroom inside the suite our friends had invited us to enjoy. While waiting behind two other people in line, he quietly slipped out of the suite, into the foyer crowded with half time spectators.  Nathan never did understand the implications of wandering.  He was a special child, born with Down Syndrome, who loved wild adventure. This particular night, he set out on another exciting escapade that lead to his exit from this world.

My mind replayed the accident over and over like a broken record. I didn’t want to close my eyes for fear that I would relive the horrific scenes in my dreams. Anguish surged through me as I imagined Nathan running onto the freeway, disoriented by the dark of night, terrified by car lights speeding towards him. The thought of Nathan being all alone in unspeakable pain was more than I could bear. God knew this, and met me.

It was an encounter like no other. I don’t dream dreams or see visions. But this particular night God opened my eyes to see into the invisible realm. It was like a curtain had been pulled back.  I saw the rear of an ambulance surrounded by black night. The doors were open wide.  Light was streaming from inside.  But it was empty.  Nathan wasn’t there.  Instead, he was sitting on top of the ambulance next to Jesus, beaming with joy.  They were playfully kicking their legs back and forth, arms wrapped around each other’s shoulders, completely enthralled in each other’s love.

Suddenly I saw a close up of Nathan’s face. He looked like Nathan, but there was no trace of Down Syndrome. He was radiant. He was healed, obviously thrilled to be with his best friend. The playful smile on his face said, “I’ve got a secret Nana (his nickname for me).  I know something you don’t know ha – ha!” That was Nathan!  He loved to tease.

Next I saw Jesus and Nathan watch the EMT’s recover Nathan’s body from the pavement and place it into the ambulance. In seconds the picture disappeared and an all consuming Peace silenced my torment.  God met me in my darkest moment. I knew without a doubt, Nathan wasn’t scared.  He wasn’t in pain.  And he definitely wasn’t alone.

Let Nathan’s story be a reminder: YOU MATTER!

                                                                 oil painting by Diane Russell  www.dianerussell.net

And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.  Matthew 28:20