Sorry, a bit somber

Maybe Eliot was right and April is the cruelest month. It certainly seems like a lot of terrible, tragic things happen in this month. Joe and I were talking about which days we don't want the baby to be born because of associations of those dates with tragedy and I felt like we were blacking out half of the month. And today, more tragedy. I wrote this letter to our baby a month or so ago when a terrible crime was committed locally and I felt a sense of sorrow to be bringing a new little life into such a messed up place. I wasn't planning to share it but it seems appropriate to share it today and in light of other tragedies that are sure to come in this baby's life. You can't escape the terrible. You can only try to lessen the darkness.

Dear Baby,

There has been a lot of sadness in the news. A lot of terrible things happen and it’s hard not to look at this world we’re bringing you into and feel a sense of sadness and a desire to give up.

But, that’s why we’re having you. Because there will always be sadness and tragedy in the world, but we can’t give up. We have to work and fight to see the beauty and wonder in the world. We have to share that. We have to bring heaven to earth and shine light all around us. That’s what your dad and I try to do every day and that’s what we want for you and our family: to love each other and share that love with everyone. You are a glorious, wonderful miracle and we know that you will bring something special and amazing to this world.

You are special. You are a unique and beautiful soul, and we love you. Never let the pain and horrors of the evil in this world keep you from fighting, loving and sharing. It’s okay to be sad and discouraged, but never give up. In the darkest time, there’s always something to be thankful for, something to love and live for. Find that thing and hold on. We love you and we will love you every second of your life.

Your parents