This is the speech I gave at my twins’ memorial                                                                

 

  Letters to My Children

 

            First of all, I want you to know that mommy and daddy, your grand-parents, aunts and uncles, and great-grandparents love you and couldn’t wait to have you here.  After years of negative pregnancy and ovulation tests, we conceived you on our first try with advanced treatment.  All the road-trips to Del Mar, endless ultrasounds, and injections were all worth seeing your beautiful little heartbeats.  Not just one but two, the day we found out we were overjoyed.  I’m so glad we could see you both alive so many times, just living and playing together.  We were blessed to have both you in our lives.  Angeline Ekua and Augustin Kweku, born too early.

            To my dearest Angeline, we named you because you were our first angel and you were a messenger.  You told us that something was wrong with my cervix and that in the future it will need to be addressed.  You taught me about sacrifice and courage, both things you would have learned as you grew up.  You would have looked like your father, but be feminine and cute.  Active and sweet, bubbly and vocal, funny and charming, just like your dad.  We could tell just by how active you were inside of me.  You would have cute little girl outfits and had your hair done and we would teach you to be a poised young lady.  To meet you, would be an honor.

            My dear Augustin, we named you for your greatness.  Your name has been passed down from my great-grandfather.  In the face of danger, you remained cool and calm, I admire you for that. You were healthy and strong, with perfect little hands and feet. .  You were cute and handsome with my nose.  You probably would’ve acted more like mommy as well.    Reserved but opinionated, your greatness would show in everything you do.  I bet your sister would tease you about being 2 hours older and drive you crazy with girl stuff sometimes.  You would look up to your big half-brother Dominick and want to play sports or get advice.  To see you all grow up together was a beautiful dream.

Living life without has been very difficult, I find myself lost without you.  Even though you were only 16 weeks gestation, we were getting ready for you both and had most things planned out.  Now those plans are gone and all we can plan are memorials for you.  Our lives have and will never been the same.  I know Auntie Jayne is taking such good care you in heaven and as she would have here on Earth.  Rest in peace, my little angels, we love you forever.