From Dad: Three Weeks Out

 This was originally posted on Ross's Facebook page on March 10th, 2022 at 10:17 PM

Three weeks now without you, Reese. 21 days ago around this time, you took your last breaths. In your mom's arms and with a driving rainstorm outside the hospital walls, you blessed us by letting us know it was your time to go. We love you and we will until we take our last breaths.

Over the past three weeks we have been genuinely shocked and amazed by the people who have reached out to not only show their support for our loss, but also to share about their own loss and grief. For everyone that has reached out, we see you, we appreciate you, and we pray blessings for you. For the folks who have shared about their own loss or are dealing with grief, we also hear you and pray for you and for peace for you.

Loss comes in so many forms. Infant loss is brutal, but so is miscarriage, stillbirth, loss of a child, loss of a grandparent or parent, loss of a sibling or close friend, or loss of a partner or spouse...they are all devastating and unimaginable in their own way. Grief comes in so many forms and every loss is hard. I'm so thankful that Sudie and I have had each other and so many others to lean on. If you are struggling with loss and grief please know you are not alone and that there are resources out there. This life can be hard and the only way to survive and thrive is to rely on the people and resources available to us to get through the difficult times. I have been so gutted losing Reese but I know there's something on the other side of this hell we've been going through. There's always a peak on the other side of the valley, and if any of y'all need a friend or a resource or help finding a way forward I'm here to tell you I get it and we're happy to help you find it.

You had five days with us Reese and looking back now over the 21 days since we lost you I'm so thankful for the impact you made on your mom and dad and on so many others in a short time.

If Reese has taught me anything, it's that there's peace and strength to be found in this life no matter the circumstance.

We love you, Bub. I see you every time I wake up in the middle of the night, you're the first thing we think of every morning, and I hope that never goes away. Help show us the way, help us be kind to each other, and help your mom and dad find our way forward. We promise to honor you and love you until we see you again.