Dear Lucas,

On a day like today, you were supposed to burst into our lives. Today would have been one of the happiest days for your Mom and I. If all went well, you would have been delivered at the same hospital where your Mom was born. Knowing what we know, things do not always go the way we want them to go, but with the loving support of family and friends, we would adapt to the changes as we went along.

As our first-born, you would keep us up all night when you cried, when you were hungry, when you needed your diaper changed. Your Mom and I would take shifts, but you would obviously need her more when you were hungry. Even with so many other things happening in our lives, you would always be a priority. I would wear my tired eyes with pride.

However, you would also be the reason why we would live to be better people: to ensure that you were safe, healthy and happy. Your milestones would always bring joy to our hearts. You would never be alone because there is always someone in the family to welcome you with open arms.

But these experiences were not meant to be realized in your lifetime, little Lucas. You have gone ahead of us to a place where there is no pain nor grief. And I hope you are happy there.

Today, you would have shared a birthday with your Aunty Zee. While she might not be able to look out for you now as you share this common bond, I hope you can do the same for her from where you are.

Happy heavenly birthday, LJ.

Love, Dad