Remembering Our Babies

Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

Today, let us honor the lives who graced this earth for a short time, yet whose impact on this earth is immeasurable.

Today, let us remember the babies who were born too soon, who will never take their first steps, who will never sleep in their cribs, empty, waiting. Let us give a voice to the babies who were born silent, sleeping. Let us remember the mommies, daddies, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, who are deeply affected by the lives that ended much too soon.

Today, I honor my children.

We have named our babies. Although it may seem hard to imagine, I feel closer to them in many ways as the days pass. I breathe their spirit. They are always with me. They grace my dreams and sit on my heart every moment of every day. They are real. Today is about acknowledging their impact, cherishing their legacy and honoring their everlasting life.

We believe we have chosen the most perfect names for our babies. Daddy had the amazing idea to name them after angels. We searched and searched, and found names we liked, before we knew the meaning behind the names. Once we found the meanings, we knew it was meant to be.

Elijah 'Eli' Thomas

Elijah-Angel of Innocence. Believed to have created the tree of life. Guardian of all newborn children and those who die at an early age.

Michael David

Michael- Angel of Miracles. Strengthens the spirit during difficult times or dangerous situations. He inspires truth, patience and love in the human heart. He is also thought to be the one who gently leads our souls to heaven.

Perfection. Just like them. We chose Thomas as Elijah's middle name after his daddy. We chose David as Michael's middle name after his papi (my daddy) and his uncle (TJ's brother).

Elijah and Michael,

Mommy and Daddy miss you more than words can possibly express. We thank God that we were chosen to be your parents. We know you are watching down on us everyday, guiding us and teaching us. Please don't be sad when you see us cry. We are trying to figure out how to get along on earth without you, but we are already celebrating the day we'll see you in Heaven. When I get there, I will hold you both so tight in my arms and will never let you go. Until then, please hold tight to eachother, play, run around, explore and laugh. Please keep watch over mommy and daddy and please visit us often in our dreams. I pray to God that He gives you a love that I cannot even imagine giving you, and I have never felt a love so deep as the one I feel for you. Thank you for continuing to bless our lives everyday. We miss you. We love you. We cherish you.

With our whole hearts,

Mommy and Daddy

For Michael, Elijah, Max, Alex, Cord and for all of the other babies whose mommies and daddies are aching today and everyday in their absence. We walk this earth for you.