On November 9th, You were born into my arms, the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. I have never witnessed such wonder as I did that day. And I never could have imagined what was about to happen.
Oh, my sweet baby, you were so sick and we didn't know it. When the doctors told us, I still couldn't believe it. How could such a perfect child be so stricken? But they were right. And I had to let go of you, give you to them, so they could save you.
We were so scared, confused, sad, angry, hopeless at times. But when we looked at you, you gave us strength. YOU were strong...how could we not be? Your courage gave us hope. Your family and friends picked us up and carried us, cradled us, loved us so that we could be stronger for you.
For days we sat with you, by your crib, held you when we could. We talked and sang to you for hours upon hours, through the days and into the nights. We laid our hands upon you so you could feel us. You were surrounded by family, friends, strangers and caregivers who sent you great amounts of love and strength for the days and weeks you were about to endure. You didn't know it then, and you might not know it now, but you are the most loved child on this earth.
On this day, one year ago, the nurses put you in my arms one last time before they took you from me for the last time. I whispered to you, "be strong," while I was crumbling inside and out. I kissed you. Then I sent you with the doctors so you could be saved.
For 6 hours we waited for you to return to us. We knew you would. There was no other option. We put your tiny little heart into the hands of the most amazing doctor in the world - at least he is to us. Your heart, the size of a robin's egg, and even more delicate was now in the hands of a man we had never met before you were born. I remember staring at those hands, surely too large for a procedure like this. We were trusting this man with your life...our lives. And he saved you. He saved us. He gave you a new life.
On this day, one year ago, a doctor we had never met gave us a second chance. And you've never looked back.
My sweet Sonja, you are the love of my life. You've left an imprint on this world that will never be erased. Your joy fills every room you visit. Your smile brings sunshine to a dark day. And your heart, your tiny little heart that was once broken, is filled with abundant love and happiness.
There is this verse in one of my favorite songs that will always remind me of my love for you:
You will always have a lucky star
That shines because of what you are
Even in the deepest dark
Because your aim is true
And if i could only have one wish
Darling, then it would be this
Love and happiness for you
Love and happiness to you always, my beautiful baby.
