10 years ago.
10 years ago I said hello to my first baby.
10 years ago I said goodbye to my son Aidan.
10 years ago I waited and waited to hear that first cry.
10 years ago I heard that cry after we told the Dr. to stop CPR.
10 years ago I watched my son breathe and heard his coos.
10 years ago I saw his breaths stop while he was in my arms.
10 years ago I counted six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.
10 years ago I cut off a curl of his reddish hair to tuck away.
10 years ago my body had just given birth to a baby.
10 years ago I left the hospital empty handed.
10 years ago we planned our son’s funeral – tiny casket, songs, custom headstone.
10 years ago I sent my mother and mother-in-law to pick out a baby outfit for burial.
10 years ago my dad hugged me tight and no words were needed.
10 years ago my father-in-law told me “well done” at the grave site.
10 years ago we were given comfort from others.
10 years ago we gave comfort to others.
10 years ago I felt fear, relief, peace, joy, sadness, loss, love, laughter, tears.
10 years ago I fell more in love with my husband as we made the ultimate decisions for our son.
10 years ago.
It seems like yesterday.
It seems like forever ago.
10 years ago.
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If you want to read more about Aidan, his diagnosis, and his story, please check out this previous blog post.
Jessica, you paint beautiful canvasses with your words. Your son is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your feelings.