At a Glance
- Paul Kim shares an intimate funeral post after losing his 5-year-old son Micah to the flu.
- The funeral, held on Jan. 19, was attended by friends and family from across the country.
- Followers’ support has been described as “tremendously healing” for the family.
Paul Kim, a Catholic content creator, has been sharing the story of his son Micah’s death and the family’s journey toward healing. In an Instagram post on Jan. 19, he offered a glimpse of the funeral mass that brought together a community of faith and friends, while expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love from his more than 300,000 followers.
A Heartbreaking Loss
Micah, 5, died on Dec. 31 after contracting a serious case of the flu. Ten days earlier, Paul had posted that Micah had been rushed to a hospital in an ambulance, and the next day he revealed that Micah had been placed on life support and that scans showed no brain activity. In a Jan. 1 video, he said, “After fighting 11 long hard days, [Micah] went home to the house of our father.”
On Jan. 2, Maggie Kim, Paul’s wife, addressed the death for the first time, writing, “There is a deep, aching hole in my heart.” She added, “Even though our home is filled with people, it’s too quiet without you.”
A Funeral of Hope
The funeral mass, held on Jan. 19, was described by Paul as “the Catholic Church at her best.” He noted that the service was attended by “so many priests, family, and friends present from all around the country.” The mass took place in “one of the most beautiful parishes” in the area, with Micah’s godfather presiding.
Paul wrote, “We had the most beautiful music provided that helped lift our grieving hearts with gratitude and praise.” He concluded the post by quoting Pope John Paul II: “We do not pretend that life is all beauty. We are aware of darkness and pain, of poverty and pain. But we know Jesus has conquered pain and passed through his own pain to the glory of the Resurrection.”
In the images shared, Paul and Maggie stand with their surviving children beside Micah’s casket, surrounded by friends and family. The photos capture the solemnity of the moment and the communal support that surrounded the family.
Community Support
Paul’s followers responded with an outpouring of prayers and messages of comfort. In a Jan. 19 post, he thanked everyone for their “love of God through your kindness, support, and prayers.” He added, “It has been tremendously healing for us. We are forever changed. We will keep you in our prayers for the rest of our lives.”
The post received thousands of likes and comments, many of which echoed the sentiment of healing and gratitude. A notable comment came from singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani, who wrote, “🙏 praying for u.”
Key Moments in the Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 31 | Micah dies after contracting flu |
| Jan. 1 | Paul announces Micah was placed on life support |
| Jan. 2 | Maggie addresses the loss publicly |
| Jan. 19 | Funeral mass and Instagram post of service |
Family Reflections
Paul’s reflections underscore the profound impact of faith and community. He writes, “On behalf of my family, THANK YOU to everyone who has shown us the love of God through your kindness, support, and prayers.” His words highlight the family’s gratitude for the emotional and spiritual support they received.
Maggie’s posts, while brief, convey deep sorrow and a sense of quiet in the absence of Micah. She describes the house as “too quiet without you,” and her words echo the shared grief of a family who has lost a child.
The family’s experience illustrates how public sharing on social media can provide a space for communal mourning and healing. The support from over 300,000 followers demonstrates the reach and power of online communities in times of personal tragedy.
Key Takeaways
- Micah’s death after a severe flu case prompted a public grieving process that spanned several weeks.
- The funeral mass on Jan. 19 became a focal point for faith, music, and communal support.
- Followers’ messages of love and prayer were described by Paul as “tremendously healing.”
- The family’s public reflections highlight the role of faith and community in navigating loss.
Paul Kim’s story reminds us that even in the darkest moments, shared faith and community can provide a path toward healing.
