05/23/2026
Today I’m finally finding the words I’ve struggled to say.
Lila, my sweet girl… not a day goes by that it doesn’t hurt to breathe without you here. Some days the words just don’t come, and maybe that’s because there aren’t words big enough for a loss like this.
But today feels different.
Today is a special day—your great-grandma June’s birthday. The woman you were named after. A woman who was such a huge part of my childhood, someone who filled my life with love, warmth, and memories I still hold onto so tightly.
Happy Heavenly Birthday, my beautiful Lila June and Grandma June.
I love you and miss you both more than words will ever be able to hold.
May 13th will forever be the most beautiful day of my life—the day our sweet Lila was brought into this world.
Lila, you would have been 3 years old this year. I find myself wondering so often what life would look like with you here. Would you look more like me or your dad? Would you have your sister’s bright blonde hair? Would you be full of mom’s spirit or dad’s calm? There are so many little things I’ll always wish I could know.
As we do every year, we spent your birthday at the zoo—this time at Binder Park. With every step, I caught myself wondering which animals would have made you laugh the most, in every exhibit, I felt you there with us.
Your sister and I sat in your garden and read your favorite books out loud. As the wind moved through the trees, we felt you all around us.
A piece of my heart lives somewhere beyond the sky,
Where time stands still and tears don’t dry.
In laughter, in silence, in all that we do,
There’s never a day we don’t carry you.
Though I can’t hold you, I hold you near—
In every heartbeat, you’re still right here.
Happy Birthday, our sweet girl. 💜
We loved you yesterday, we love today, and we will love you even more tomorrow
