Dear Aaden,

October 8, 2008 was a pretty spectacular day, the day you were born. Mommy’s do not quickly, if ever, forget the story of their little one’s entering the world. I remember so many details about that day and yet so much is fuzzy. An enormous part of my heart wishes I could go back to that day or the 38 days after. I desperately want an opportunity to not rush a single moment with you, to let the moment’s linger. To hold you tight and and enjoy your smell and that mysterious look in your eyes.

You would be 6 years old today.

Even after 6 years this mama longs for her son; longs for you.

I imagine that longing will not too soon fade away.

Aaden, you were and are an incredible gift. And today we celebrate your birthday, because your life is worth celebrating.

We will do our little Aaden Birthday Tradition today that involves skipping school and work and trading the normal in for lots of donuts, playing at the beach, cake making, birthday song singing and even blowing out candles. We will send balloons to heaven and imagine that because you are in heaven you are having one epic birthday party today.

You are forever loved little one. Never forgotten and celebrated often.

I am so thankful God chose me to be your mama. Happy birthday precious boy. Happy birthday.

love,
mommy

P.S. Last year we started this thing to help other mamas and daddies who might be missing their babies like we miss you. We wanted all those mamas and daddies to know that their little ones are never forgotten. The AadenSage Birthday Project was an unbelievable success buddy. Unbelievable. We sent out more AadenSage art prints than we could even count. We spent countless hours printing, packaging, note writing and praying. Because of you we brought joy and hope to the darkest of days for those who were in the amidst of terrible pain.

That’s a receipt buddy. Just one of the many from my trips to the post office shipping out lots and lots of AadenSage Birthday prints!!!

I am so excited to celebrate your birthday the same way this year. There is no greater way to celebrate you than by bringing light to the darkness. We will send an art print to anyone whose name is submitted!! I even got this amazing artist to help me this year with the design of the print. It’s gorgeous buddy and I can’t wait to bless lots of mamas and daddies with it! Thank you Laura (of Paper & Honey) for blessing this ministry endeavor with your amazing talent. You are an enormous encouragement to me and so many!

P.P.S. Your mama really loves you.

If you know someone hurting, submit their name and we will send them a reminder of joy.

To learn more about the AadenSage Birthday Project, to submit a name or to find ways you can help go here.