There are several people close to me who have had children recently or are expecting a new baby soon. During the first month or so after we received our diagnosis, seeing babies or other pregnant women nearly broke my heart. That was when the bitterness was worst...I was almost angry at them for their healthy babies or their "normal" pregnancies. In my mind, I would ask a hundred times why our child was going to be taken from us so soon and longed to know what we had done to deserve such unthinkable heartache. It wasn't that I ever wished to trade places with anyone else, because I wouldn't wish this sort of pain on anyone...I just couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that everyone else was getting these healthy, perfect babies and we would soon be planning a funeral.
Thankfully, that phase was short-lived and I can honestly say I've moved beyond it. It is still painful, but there is no longer a bitterness or resentment to accompany the ache when I see someone else's newborn or learn of a new pregnancy.
Although we miss Aaron and will continue to miss him every day of our lives, we are so very thankful for him. He taught us more about life, love and faith than some people are able to share with others in a lifetime that lasts a hundred years. He helped us find a strength within ourselves that we had no idea existed. He showed us how important it is to cherish every day and every moment because nothing is a guarantee. He gave us the opportunity to truly learn what "unconditional love" really means, even though we thought we already knew.
Although he weighed just over four pounds and had the tiniest little feet I have ever seen, Aaron Michael left footprints on our hearts and in our lives that have forever changed us.
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