Esme

Photo by Riley Morgan Young Photography

It took us a long time to name you, to realize how much sanctity it bestows upon your short life to give you a name.

But we finally decided: you are Esme River, because Esme (ez-may) means deeply loved.

And you were,

and you are, little one.

Your time on this side of heaven, though shorter than we would’ve chosen, was marked by the deepest kind of love.

In both your life and your death, you taught us so much about faith, obedience, holy grief, and the shared human experience. I can’t count the number of women with whom I’ve connected just by telling your story. Thank you for that. Now, when I picture Jesus hanging out with you in heaven, I see you laughing with so many of my friends’ kids too. What a sight that will be to behold one day.

Deep in my eyes—and deep in your daddy’s eyes—there will forever be a river running. You are a part of us, and we’re so proud to be your parents.

I think you would’ve been born this month... but I hope you’re having a blast today with Abba.

We miss you, baby.