Joseph Alexander was born on December 27, 2007, and passed away on April 4, 2008. We were so happy to welcome our second child, but unfortunately, his life was cut too short. When I was six months pregnant with Joseph, I received concerning news during one of my appointments and was referred to a specialist. The specialist performed an ultrasound and bluntly informed me that my son was not expected to survive. It was later confirmed that he had a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD). 

Upon his birth, doctors discovered that he also had numerous other complications, including a common atrium and valve, a single right ventricle, obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous connections to the superior vena cava, and pulmonary atresia with discontinuous right and left pulmonary arteries. Specifically, the right pulmonary artery arose from the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) at the undersurface of the aorta, while the left pulmonary artery stemmed from the left subclavian artery. In total, he underwent four open-heart surgeries and one intestinal surgery. After each surgery, doctors often said he might not survive, yet Joseph consistently proved them wrong, continuing to fight until he could no longer do so.

During the three months he spent in the hospital, we made sure to cherish the little time we had with him, though deep down, I knew Joseph was suffering from the surgeries and was weary of all the machines. I prayed every day for him, hoping that one day he would finally be able to come home with us. On April 2, we were informed that Joseph had developed pneumonia, which worsened his condition, and on April 4, my baby Joseph gained his wings. All the pictures we had with him became treasured memories. 

We continue to celebrate Joseph’s birthday and his anniversary each year. Joseph lives on through us, his parents, and his siblings, and he will always remain a part of our lives.