We were blessed with Rorie’s life for 9 days and Josie’s for 28. In the weeks and months following their deaths, I struggled to find purpose. Life felt empty. It was as if a black hole had been implanted in my chest, muting any light or joy that drew near. Amidst the grief, though, one light remained: love.
Love that surrounded Rorie and Jose for their entire lives.
Love that was showered upon the girls, and upon us, by family, friends, the NICU staff, and even strangers.
Love that will never fade or falter regardless of distance or time.
And so, as time moves on, we cling to that love. It is the lifeboat that keeps us afloat in the tempest. It is the light that peaks through the clouds on the most gloomy of days. It is the one true purpose that draws us through each day.
We forge on. Not out of “strength” but out of necessity.
Out of a need to see this world bettered by our girls’ lives.
A need to know that our daughters are celebrated and remembered.
A need for love.
Aurora and Josephine lived for a short time. In that time, they impacted this world. We pray that we, in small ways and in their memory, might do the same.
