Life is Real

IN LOVING MEMORY ~ Cyrus James Hedlund, born 2/10/2025, 1#3oz, 11.5″ He has mommy’s mouth and daddy’s nose, 10 perfect little fingers and 10 perfect little toes.

Last week was a whirlwind that began when I was woken by a phone call at 1:52am on February 10, 2025. My daughter in law stated that there might be an emergency. She was 23 weeks along her in pregnancy and after telling me a few symptoms, I advised that my son take her to the Grand Forks hospital. After several hours, a short text and a phone call from my son, we painfully learned that Cyrus James was stillborn at 7:52am. Upon arriving to Grand Forks that afternoon, I walked into the hospital room to see them holding their sweet boy for the first and last time. The sorrow in their faces was almost unbearable, but their faith amazing.

This is an excerpt from a letter I wrote to Cyrus James that was read at his funeral:

“You are loved beyond measure by so many grandmas, grandpas, great grandparents, uncles, aunties, cousins and dear family friends.   But most of all, deeply loved by your mommy and daddy that miss you with aching hearts.  They will cherish you forever, knowing that you will be a big brother someday.  We are broken and hurting but not destroyed.  Our hope is in Jesus, in joining you in Heaven one day, knowing that God is love and always good.  We miss you baby, we love you so very much.  We cry tears of sadness and pain, but also of joy and love.  Thank you for reminding us how precious every life is.  God doesn’t make mistakes, we will trust Him.  I love you beautiful boy of my boy.  Goodbye for now Cyrus James.“

Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed. For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Sorrow reminds us what is good, reminds us that this world is not our home and the things of this world will fade away. Our hope is a gift given to us by a loving heavenly Father who gave His own son to die so that we may be saved. Soli Deo Gloria!