Today is a significant day, one that’s both celebratory and bittersweet. It marks a dozen years since my dear son, Zachary, entered and left this world within mere moments. While birthdays typically bring joy and excitement, this day carries a unique blend of emotions for me, as it’s a day that reminds me of the precious life that once was, even though it was far too short.

A Dozen: A Symbol of Completeness

When we think of a dozen, it’s often associated with completeness. A dozen eggs, a dozen roses, a dozen donuts – they all signify a full set, a complete circle. But in the context of my son’s story, it’s a stark reminder of the incompleteness, the void that losing him left in our lives. He was here, yet not for long enough to complete the life he was meant to lead.

Memories and Reflections

Over the last twelve years, the memories of Zachary have become more precious. They’re like fragile treasures, carefully stored in the recesses of my heart, and I cherish them. His brief existence left an indelible mark on my life, and it taught me to appreciate the beauty of even the shortest moments.

A Dozen Years of Learning

In the dozen years since Zachary’s birth, I’ve learned that grief doesn’t have an expiry date. It’s not something that can be neatly packed away or resolved. Instead, it evolves, it changes, it becomes a part of who we are. I’ve also discovered the incredible power of resilience and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

A Dozen Acts of Kindness

To mark this day, I encourage each of you to carry out a dozen acts of kindness in honor of my beloved Zachary and all the other little souls who left us too soon. It’s a way to commemorate the lives that have touched us, however briefly, and to spread love and positivity in a world that often needs it the most.

The Three Siblings Who Remember Zachary

I must also mention my three lively littles, who, though they never had the chance to meet their big brother, hold his memory close to their hearts. They’ve heard his story, seen his photos, each have his beautiful orb of ashes, and felt the love and pain that his absence has woven into our lives. In their own unique ways, they remember their brother and honor his place in our family.

Final Thoughts

As the years have passed, I’ve come to realize that love transcends time. Though Zachary’s life was just a fleeting moment in the grand tapestry of existence, the love we hold for him continues to grow and is ever-present in our lives. A dozen years may have passed, but the impact he made will resonate in our hearts forever.

So, today, I celebrate not only a dozen years but also the everlasting love, the beautiful memories, and the lessons learned in that time. Happy twelfth birthday, my sweet Zachary. You are loved, remembered, and cherished every day.

Thank you for sharing in this moment of reflection and remembrance. Your support and love have been a constant source of strength and comfort throughout this journey. With the support of our loss community, we can do great things in honor of our babies and to help others unknowingly about to walk in our footsteps.