Because of You

“In Because of You, Kelsey Clark tells of a young girl and boy imagining the wonders of Heaven.

Clark beautifully captures the innocence and excitement of children while also revealing spiritual Truths. This book will take you on a journey of love and healing as seen through the eyes of a child.”

—Samantha Kennedy, nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

“Kelsey writes a beautiful and powerful story that reminds her readers of the great Hope that we have in Christ as imagined through the eyes of a child. Truly an inspirational story that left me with a smile on my face, tears of joy in my eyes, and a warmth in my heart.”

—Pastor Tim Wotring, Pisgah United Methodist Church

—Rachael Lauer, MSN, FNP-BC, Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse

“The pain of losing someone is a part of the human experience but can carry with it an overwhelming sense of emptiness and confusion, especially for children who are learning to deal with the loss of someone or something they love. In Because of You, Kelsey Clark reminds us of the peace that we can have knowing that our loved ones who have passed are safe in the arms of our loving Savior and are living in the majesty of Heaven.”

Because of You

“When grief hits a family, we often focus on our children. A child’s view of death and grief can be wildly different than an adult. Kelsey Clark provides a real, extraordinary conversation with children regarding grief and the feelings surrounding it.”

—Megan Foley Wiley, mother of two

Kelsey N. Clark resides in small town West Virginia with her family on their

farm. Kelsey is a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist but enjoys mostly the blessings of being a mom. She enjoys keeping diaries of her experiences with her children, and the phases and phrases that they share with her throughout their daily life. Through their interaction and adventure, Kelsey offers a glimpse into the mind of her children and their child-like perceptions of life and lessons-learned.

Eric Tomlinson lives lives in Preston County, WV Kelsey N. Clark

with his loving wife Brenda. He is a web and graphic designer, photographer and illustrator.

Eric enjoys drawing, sports, hiking, movies, and TV. Inspiration for the illustrations in the book were gained through knowledge of Kelsey’s family, the love they share and also straight up ideas from Kelsey herself.

Kelsey N. Clark

ILLUSTRATED BY

Eric Tomlinson

Kelsey Clark ILLUSTRATED BY

Eric Tomlinson

Because of You

by Kelsey Clark illustrated by Eric Tomlinson copyright ©2021 Kelsey Clark All rights reserved. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents, except where noted otherwise, are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any other resemblance to actual people, places or events is entirely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any other form or for any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage system, without written permission from Headline Books.

To order additional copies of this book, or for book publishing information, or to contact the author: Headline Kids P. O. Box 52 Terra Alta, WV 26764 Email: mybook@headlinebooks.com www.headlinebooks.com Lucas Kelly—Design/Layout Published by Headline Books Headline Kids is an imprint of Headline Books ISBN-13: 9781951556556

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021937549 PR I N T E D I N T H E U N I T E D STAT E S OF A M E R IC A

To my awesome God and savior, Jesus Christ. I am eternally grateful for the path and mission you have set before me. To you alone be the Glory.

To my husband, for all of your love and support through this journey of ours. I thank you and love you with all that I am. I am so grateful I get to do this life alongside you. We have something so very special together. And I hope to keep writing our stories.

To Brittany Ann. I simply miss you. These words were spoken of you on a beautiful day in my flower garden. I long for the day I get to see you once more. But until that day, I will keep sharing your story, a life so beautifully lived.

To my Mom and Dad. I am forever grateful for your ongoing presence in my life and in the life of my children. You set a foundation for me to soar from. Thank you for taking me to church, teaching me right from wrong, the importance of hard work, and for never missing a single moment. I am blessed that you are mine.

We sit on the front porch steps, And gaze at the big blue sky, The bright rays of sunshine, But heavy tears fill mommy’s eyes.

4

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“Why are you sad?” I ask her, She smiles and looks down, “Mom misses someone very special, And I sure wish she was still around.”

“Where did she go?” I eagerly ask, “Heaven, right mom?” Bubby ponders, Our little eyes reach hers again, Her sadness looks as loud as thunder!

7

“That’s right,” she answers, “In a much greater place.”

“What’s it like there?” Bub asks I stare with curiosity on my face.

8

“Well, what do you think?” Mom inquires, I look at Bub and wait, He sits for quite a while, With a reflective look on his face.

9

“Well, Jesus is there,” he begins, And a whole lot of people, too.”

“Who’s Jesus?” I interrupt, Mom sweetly responds, “A Man that really loves you.”

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“Everything is big and bright,” Bub continues, And there are rainbows all around, You get to ride bears and lions, And play on giant playgrounds!”

13

“Wow! How do I get there?” I eagerly ask, Mom’s eyes widen with surprise, Bubby suddenly interrupts, “A big train ride! High in the sky!”

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“Someone we love will come pick us up,” he goes on, And take us up high into the clouds!

It’ll probably be a really long trip, But I bet we’ll see dinosaurs flying around!”

17

“Choo choo!” my little voice chants, “When can we go?” I yell, Mommy picks me up, sits me on her lap, And a story she begins to tell.

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“When it is our time to go to heaven, We start by falling fast asleep.

We will re-awaken to a warm, bright light,” My anticipation is so great, I don’t make a peep!

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“And there you will be, Your life fully renewed, Jesus and all who are in heaven, Will gather together around you.”

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“Angels will sing in their happiness, You will feel so peaceful inside, Jesus will take hold of your empty hand, And welcome you to everlasting life.”

23

“Are there princesses there?” I impatiently ask.

“I’m sure there are,” Mom agrees, 24

“But we must do our part to get there, of course,” She winks and grins with ease.

“So, be good, and listen, and believe in Jesus?” Bub wonders, Mom continues, “And be helpful, be truthful, be kind, Be humble, selfcontrolled, and forgiving, Be thankful of your blessings and try your best to be wise.

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Love your friends as you love yourself, Never give up on your hope in Christ, Lean on God’s promises, let Him live in your heart, Be a faithful friend of Jesus and grateful of His sacrifice.

26

I interrupt loudly, “Look, Mom, at my princess shoes!

I am ready for the train!”

“Oh my,” Bub rolls his eyes, But my excitement stays just the same.

27

I hear a sound souring above me, I gaze upward into the fluffy clouds, “Mom, there she is! On that airplane!

I wave at her fiercely, “I bet she is heaven bound!”

Mommy giggles and says, “Well, not quite,” but I feel she is certainly on her way, and I hope with all my heart to see her again, that will be one glorious, special day.

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I grab mommy’s hand and we walk through her flowers, A butterfly passes us by, I thoughtfully ask, “Mommy, you still miss her?”

“Yes, but she’s okay. And because of you, so am I.”

31

A Child’s Prayer Dear God, Thank you, Lord, for giving me your son, Jesus Christ, as my savior and friend. Help me to walk by His side all my life and to become who you created me to be. Thank you for all that I have and for all that you continue to do for me. Help me to love others as you have loved me, and to always have a grateful heart. Help me to be a light in someone else’s life, to be kind and forgiving, and to understand that I am never alone...for You, Lord, are always with me. Please forgive me of the wrong that I have done, and I ask for the strength and wisdom to do better next time. Thank you for the hope that I have in you, Lord. Use me, God, for your glory, so that others can receive your Hope, too. I love you and I thank you with all that I am.

God bless everyone. Amen.

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“In Because of You, Kelsey Clark tells of a young girl and boy imagining the wonders of Heaven.

Clark beautifully captures the innocence and excitement of children while also revealing spiritual Truths. This book will take you on a journey of love and healing as seen through the eyes of a child.”

—Samantha Kennedy, nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

“Kelsey writes a beautiful and powerful story that reminds her readers of the great Hope that we have in Christ as imagined through the eyes of a child. Truly an inspirational story that left me with a smile on my face, tears of joy in my eyes, and a warmth in my heart.”

—Pastor Tim Wotring, Pisgah United Methodist Church

—Rachael Lauer, MSN, FNP-BC, Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse

“The pain of losing someone is a part of the human experience but can carry with it an overwhelming sense of emptiness and confusion, especially for children who are learning to deal with the loss of someone or something they love. In Because of You, Kelsey Clark reminds us of the peace that we can have knowing that our loved ones who have passed are safe in the arms of our loving Savior and are living in the majesty of Heaven.”

Because of You

“When grief hits a family, we often focus on our children. A child’s view of death and grief can be wildly different than an adult. Kelsey Clark provides a real, extraordinary conversation with children regarding grief and the feelings surrounding it.”

—Megan Foley Wiley, mother of two

Kelsey N. Clark resides in small town West Virginia with her family on their

farm. Kelsey is a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist but enjoys mostly the blessings of being a mom. She enjoys keeping diaries of her experiences with her children, and the phases and phrases that they share with her throughout their daily life. Through their interaction and adventure, Kelsey offers a glimpse into the mind of her children and their child-like perceptions of life and lessons-learned.

Eric Tomlinson lives lives in Preston County, WV Kelsey N. Clark

with his loving wife Brenda. He is a web and graphic designer, photographer and illustrator.

Eric enjoys drawing, sports, hiking, movies, and TV. Inspiration for the illustrations in the book were gained through knowledge of Kelsey’s family, the love they share and also straight up ideas from Kelsey herself.

Kelsey N. Clark

ILLUSTRATED BY

Eric Tomlinson