A Mile in Our Shoes: Dear Samuel,

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Dear Samuel,

It is hard to believe that this time last year, we were waiting for your arrival. You will be 1 on Monday. Happy 1st Birthday!!!!! I wish we could see you, to see how much you have changed over the year. Regardless, I hope you receive the gifts you have given me over the last year.

Knowing unconditional love. I hope you have a chance to give and receive it, to recognize it and to understand how incredible it is.

Joy. You brought so much joy into our lives during our short time together.

Faith and Hope. When nothing in our world was making sense, you gave me a reason to cling to my faith and hope. I'm extremely thankful I had both of them to carry me through those dark days.

Trust in God's plan. For reasons we may never know, we were not meant to be a family. When you were born, God knew little Mitchell needed us more than you did. But God has plans for you little one.

Witness a miracle. I was able to be there, in the room, when you entered this world. An experience I will probably never have again. And something I will never forget.

I guess the saying, "It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all," is true. You taught me so much about myself and about my loved ones in our short time together. As we watch Mitchell grow and develop, I can't help but wonder about you. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. And you are burned into my heart and memory forever. You may have never been officially ours, but we couldn't have loved you more.