Two years ago today, we watched as Steve’s Dad, Mike, lost his brave battle with cancer. It was a beautiful sunny day. But it felt like one of the coldest and darkest days of our lives. Steve had lost his dad, his best friend, his hunting buddy, his horseshoe nemesis. I lost a father-in-law that I only knew for five short years; I hadn’t even earned one of “Mikey’s famous nicknames” yet!
So, last year on this day we woke up with heavy hearts as we prepared to honor the one-year anniversary of Mike’s death. We had plans to meet our family at the cemetery to release balloons and say a prayer for Mike and his life. We would spend the morning with Steve’s mom and then go to the hospital to see Jax that afternoon.
Jax was doing very well, but he still had one month to go until his due date and estimated time of discharge. Our nurse told us that even if he was sent home early, babies very rarely got discharged on the weekend. So, we also woke up that morning prepared for more time at the hospital.
When the hospital called while we were getting ready to go to the cemetery, we thought it was just the usual update.
But this time, it was different. This time, the doctor said “Jax is doing well. He can go home today.“
And oh my god did we cry! Tears of happiness that Jax was coming home. Tears of sadness that Mike wasn’t here. Tears of gratitude that Mike, one of Jax’s Guardian Angels, was clearly taking care of our family from above. Tears that Grandpa Mike was sending Jax home…
It was the most bittersweet day I’ve ever experienced. My heart was tired from the roller coaster of emotions: pure joy that my son was finally going to be home, And pure sadness that Mike was never going to get to meet his grandson. To top it all off, it was Jax’s 3 month birthday!
And it was all too much of a coincidence to be a coincidence.
One year ago today, we brought our baby boy home from the hospital on his 3 month birthday. One year ago today, we released a balloon in that cemetery and as we watched it drift up to Heaven, we thanked Jax’s Guardian Angel for sending our son home. One year ago today…
Jax came home from the NICU after 93 days. He weighed 6lbs 5oz and was 3 months old.
Jax has been home for exactly one year. Today, he is 15 months old and weighs 26lbs 7ozs!
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An Early Start 
It is with tears in my eyes that I read this post! Even though I have followed you through this journey and “know” through your posts all you have had to endure during the past year, is heartbreaking. I know how hard it was to lose my dad this year….God’s timing is baffling but also as we look back, it makes “sense.” My heart goes out to you and Steve. You are right all of those events were too much of a coincidence to be a coincidence. Hugs to all of you.
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Thanks, Kelley. It’s been a difficult week! But, it makes it a bit easier knowing and believing that we have our Guardian Angels looking out for us.
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I believe in Angels and I believe in miracles. Baby Jax is a shining example of just that. He too is an Angel for us all to see and talk to as he represents so very much. Love you Baby Jax!
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It’s true – Jax definitely has a special aura about him…
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