Tomorrow our little Jake would have been three years old. It's hard to believe three years have passed since the first time I held him in my arms. In the same breath, it feels like a lifetime. He was such a perfect little peanut when we met him, arriving at 3:55 in the morning. I was exhausted but so completely in love with him.
Jake's candle was not lit for long, but it shined so very brightly. The ripple effect of his life is remarkable. He taught us so much about what's important and what isn't.
He graced our lives with his sweet presence, creating a very proud brother out of Ben and adding so much to our little family.
He taught us to take nothing for granted and treasure every day, reminding us of the brevity and fragility of life.
He brought to light the importance of organ donation. Because of this, many of our friends and family have taken steps to ensure they are an organ donor and make their families aware of their wishes. Some have even worked toward providing education on the topic.
He granted the gift of sight to two unknown individuals.
He saved the life of another little boy through the gift of his heart. Beckham will turn three years old on August 1st. He has endured a life of ups and downs but has remained happy and affectionate through all of the ordeals he has been through. The ripple effect of Jake's life is most evident here - because of Jake's gift a mother, father, sister and countless relatives and friends have been able to know and love this little boy.
There are a few things that get me through those moments when I want nothing more than to weep until my bones ache, my eyes are dry and my voice exhausted. These things I am eternally grateful for...
- Two little boys with the most amazing gift to make me smile - one whose "Don't cry, Mommy" got me through the worst days following Jake's loss and has carried me for all these years, the other who is blissfully unaware of the pain of the world and whose innocence and pugnacity keep me smiling daily
- A loving, dedicated, strong husband who has lived every moment with me and loved me all along
- The knowledge of Jake's beating heart, which began to pump the moment it was placed in Beckham's chest and has remained strong through countless challenges
- Beckham, adorable, unbeatable, laughing and smiling his way through life's challenges, and his family, always there to love him and passing their love on to us
- Our amazing network of family and friends (thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! There are no words to express my gratitude for all you have done, from August 13th, 2007 right up to the present. You have carried us through and I wish I could personally thank you all adequately)
I will cherish every moment I had with my second son. All the moments when he would sleep nowhere but on my chest, the many songs I sang to him, and that gigantic smile which we were privileged enough to be graced with.
I love you, my little hero. Happy birthday.
