01/07/2025
Dear Jacob,
Though we never had the chance to meet you in person, your presence has gently wrapped itself around our hearts in ways we never expected. We learned about you through your big brother, and from that moment on, you’ve quietly become part of our world.
Your life was brief—just nine months—but somehow, in that short time, you’ve left behind a light that continues to shine. It’s in the way your big brother speaks your name, with tenderness and pride. It’s in the way his eyes fill with both love and sorrow when he talks about you. He misses you deeply, Jacob. He carries you in his heart every single day, and because of that, we carry you too.
We wish we could have seen your smile, and heard your laugh. We wish the world had more time to witness the joy you brought and the love you inspired. But even in your absence, you’ve made an impact. You’ve reminded us how precious and fragile life is. You’ve shown us the depth of a sibling’s love. And you’ve awakened in us a quiet kind of courage—the kind that only comes from witnessing loss and still choosing love. You have the best big brother. Eric has carried your story with courage, grace, and determination for decades. He has always been a fierce and protective big brother and advocate. His voice is a powerful reminder that silence never means peace.
Baby Jacob, your story is short, but it is powerful. You mattered. You matter. And even though you’re not here the way we all wish you were, your spirit lives on in your family, in those who love you, and now—in us. We see you. We speak your name and we will never stop fighting for the truth.
Happy Heavenly Birthday, sweet boy. You deserved so much more.
We will never forget you.
With love,
Whitney & Melissa
