One Year

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Aidan,

I am at a loss for words. How exactly am I supposed to put into words what these days have meant? They have been so full of memories. There have been tears. There has been laughter. There has been sheer determination.

Most of all, there has been love.

The kind of love that is known to inspire books and movies. A love that takes your breath away and at the same time gives you a reason to live. The love of a mother.

Each day has been a countdown to you. Your birthday.

On this day, one year ago, you changed me. You changed your Daddy. You changed the lives of so many people sweet boy. People who came to see you. Hold you. Kiss you. Snuggle you.

Love you.

On this day, one year ago, you changed everything. And you did it without having ever taken a breath. You are that amazing. You are that powerful. You are my son.

There are so many adjectives I could use to describe the impact you have made in the past year. None seem to compare as much as faith, grace, and love…Holy.

The precious hours I spent with you were the epitome of these things. They are untarnished by the fact that I would not get to take you home with us. They were simply moments spent with you. Moments as a complete family. Moments that will carry me through until I see you again.

A child’s first birthday is always this big celebration. So many milestones have been and are being reached.

The parents tend to go overboard. Party. Gifts. Cake. Proud moments. Endless pictures. What wouldn’t I give to live in that realm of reality again.

Instead, I am in a car; headed towards a boat. Just your daddy and I. Your first birthday is upon us and yet we live in the world where you are not here. With your birthday comes the harsh reality that we don’t get those things. Instead we get the love of those who love you and understand the overwhelming loss of these days. Others have sympathy.  The ignorance of those who don’t get it and just think it means it’s been a year and we should be “better.”

I wake up each day with the hope that I will get to say your name. Share your pictures. Be your mom without someone questioning why. So, on this day, a day that is 100 percent about you; about your life; we are celebrating. The fight, the determination, the love, the grace and the faith it has taken to survive each day since. We are rejoicing in the knowledge that we were chosen to be your parents. We are so proud to be your family. We are so grateful that we know where you are. We smile knowing you are safely tucked in the arms of loved ones. Happy. Blissful. Surrounded by the perfection you deserve.

It seems unbelievable that it has already been a year. Yet, this has been the longest, hardest and most defining year of my life.

1 year

12 months

52 weeks

365 days

525948 minutes

31556926 seconds

Each and every one of them has been about you. Because this day is the day you were born. The day your legacy began. The day you did something that no one else has ever done or will ever do again. You made me a mom.

I am so thankful to you. I love you more than I ever knew I could. I miss you with every fiber of my being. I am the proudest Momma. I am heartbroken that I don’t get to watch you grow. I eagerly wait for the day I get to hold you again. I am looking towards the future. Hoping that one day I will be able to tell your little brother or sisters about their amazing big brother and how he is the reason they are here.

I fell head over heels in love with you one year ago. Every day that love has grown more. I will look for you in the waves, stars and peace of this week. Your momma loves you so. Each and every heartbeat I share with you.

Happy Birthday to you, Aidan Thomas. Happy Birthday to you.

Enduring love,

Momma

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Tara About Tara

Wife. Daughter. Sister. Friend. Aunt. And most recently, Mommy. I may not experience all of the typical Mommy things but, I have experienced the worst of them all. Loss. Everyday is a learning experience. Learning to live without Aidan.

Comments

  1. Happy Birthday Aidan!

  2. Sending you hugs, Tara. This post has got me streaming with tears – I’m feeling everything you describe. My Aidan would be 6 months old in two days time. We would have had his naming ceremony on that date. There will be no cake, no candles, no party. Just an empty house without a bubbly little boy. I don’t blog anymore – but I still follow yours. You’re the only other person I know who spelt Aidan the ‘right’ way :-) Happy birthday, little man – I think of you and your mama often. xx

  3. (((hugs))) to you & Happy 1st Birthday sweet Aidan

  4. Happy Birthday Aidan!

  5. Crying with you.

    ♥ Gramma Vicki – to Angels Julia Rose and Evan Riley

  6. Beautiful and so heartfelt. Thank you for sharing Tara! Enjoy your day celebrating your precious son…Happy birthday Aidan!

  7. big loves xxx

  8. Wow, I am at such a loss of words as tears stream down my face as I read this. Here I sit, on almost the anniversary of my miscarriage. I am still dealing with the horrible pain inside my heart that feels like it will never leave. I never got to hold or see him, smell him or give him kisses. I am so very sorry for your loss. I couldn’t even imagine your pain. Happy 1st birthday to your baby boy.

  9. Happy Birthday Aidan! Lots of love to Tara, I am dreading the first birthday of my sweet Grandbaby, that is not here with my son, “daughter” and the rest of my family. Your words were so uplifting. It will soon be nine months and I am waiting for things to get better. You seem to have so much faith and love to share with Aidan and all who know the pain of losing a baby. The birthday parties that won’t celebrated with cakes, candles, presents and balloons. But you have so much love and positive energy to be shared with the world. Your words are just what I needed today. Tell us how the birthday celebration turns out. I want to stop crying and look to the future too. I think you may be the one to help me Tara, and the many others that feel as I do. Many hugs. XOXO

  10. Patient-One says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aidan
    Tara, your comments will help me in preparing for that day when it comes.

  11. Oh, Tara. We’ve never met, but (((((hugs)))))) to you. Your words are beautiful, and my heart aches for you. I can’t say that I can even begin to comprehend the unspeakable grief you must feel. I pray that Aidan’s spirit continues to live on in your hearts every day.

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