Loving parents John Travolta and Kelly Preston are remembering their late son, Jett Travolta, on the weekend he would have turned 27. The couple — who unexpectedly lost their autistic son in 2009 after he suffered a seizure at the family’s vacation home in the Bahamas — took to social media to wish their firstborn a happy birthday.

“A painting a fan made of my son Jett! Happy birthday my son I love you!” the 65-year-old captioned a post he shared to Instagram on Sunday, April 14. John’s wife and Jett’s mother, Kelly, also shared a sentimental post, including a collage of throwback pics along with a sweet message. “Happy Birthday Jetty, my sweet love,” Kelly, 56, wrote.

Fans of the Grease star couldn’t help but send both their happy birthday wishes and condolences on the bittersweet day. “A beautiful soul in which is still thriving and happy and watching you from the other side! It’s a gorgeous picture! Happy birthday, Jett!” one fan wrote in the comment section of John’s post. “Wow … this touches my heart so much because I have a son with Autism and I cannot imagine what you guys have gone through,” said another.

Following Jett’s tragic death, John and Kelly leaned on each other to get through the heartbreaking time. It wasn’t until this past January, though, that the Saturday Night Fever actor revealed to what capacity he struggled after losing his son and what resources helped him get through the tough time.

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Happy Birthday Jetty, my sweet love ♥️💕

A post shared by Kelly Preston (@therealkellypreston) on

“It’s the worst thing that’s ever happened in my life,” John — who honored the 10th anniversary of Jett’s passing in January — said. “The truth is, I didn’t know if I was going to make it.” That was until John and Kelly discovered the Church of Scientology. “The church never left our sides for two years,” he revealed. “I don’t know if I would have made it through without their support. Our church is the number one thing that keeps us grounded.”

Although John and Kelly miss Jett every single day, the loving couple is doing the best they can to raise their two children, daughter Ella Travolta, 19, and son Benjamin Travolta, 8. John even dished that being a parent to his kids is what gets him up every day. “Their future is very important to us,” he gushed. “Our children keep our interest in life very high.”

We’re thinking of you, John and Kelly!