Christopher Matthew

I've been thinking about our little boy and what his life must have been like. Some of you might think this is kind of silly, but I think an autobiography of his life might go something like this:

July 31st, (The Feast Day of Saint Ignacias Loyolla), I am born at 11:08 AM! My sister Emily follows at 11:09 AM and my brother Alexander at 11:10 AM. I have some trouble breathing. The doctors try really, really hard, but they can't help me.

I get to meet Mommy and Daddy! Most babies born at 24 weeks have their eyes still fused shut, but mine are open, so I get to see them before Alex and Emily. Mom and Dad tell me how much they love me and how proud they are of me for being so strong. I got really squished by Alex and Emily inside Mommy, but it wasn't their fault. I was able to hang on for four more weeks. Mom and Dad said thank you and that now Alex and Emily have a chance.

I have to say goodbye to Mommy and Daddy. The last thing I remember seeing is Daddy's face. They bring a priest in to baptize me. Daddy says that Jesus loves little children and that he will be waiting for me when I get to heaven. Mommy says that I have to remember to look after my younger brother and sister. After I'm gone, the hospital takes a picture of me in my nifty new hospital-issue outfit. My very own set of clothes! I'm sorry I never got to see the rubber ducky that Mommy picked out for me, but I'm sure I would have liked it; Daddy says that it was really cool.

Love,

Christopher