My Dearest Jaden,
I write to you this letter as a response to the question you may ask someday.
“Why did you choose Jaden?” I hope this letter answers that question and helps you
to understand the meaning behind our choice.
What’s in a name? Why should it be so important? To some people it may not be so
important. I wasn’t about to name you something just because I thought it was cute
or popular. It had to be meaningful (and cute too.) In the Bible, a name told much
about an individual. A person was defined by their name. God often times changed
one’s name in order to establish a life-changing event. Names described people and
often times their future. In the Old Testament, a name also told a great deal about
a place, specifically what God had done in that place. The Israelites would name
places where God had provided, protected, or revealed himself to them and build an
altar there to remember what He had done.
After I found out I was pregnant I began looking up names. I searched everywhere-
books, Internet databases, the Bible. Your father and I discussed so many names and finally came to one we both could agree on.
At our 20 week appointment we went to discover if our baby was going to be the
little boy I’d had a hunch about (and your father was crossing his fingers for) or
if I needed to return the boys clothing I’d already started stockpiling. That day
was such a rollercoaster of emotion. We were thrilled to find out that you would be
the boy we’d hoped for, but our excitement quickly turned to fear and disbelief as
a specialist came to discuss abnormalities found on the sonogram. A small white
cluster appeared on your heart; a spot found in about 10% of babies before birth.
This finding was not followed by heart trouble but there was a correlation between
this finding and downs syndrome. I’m sure your father could tell you his reaction,
but I was in sheer panic. Trying to hold back tears, I calmly asked many questions,
trying to gather as much information I could about this possibility. Because of my
age, the statistics would show that the possibility was very low but because of not
receiving a particular test prior to 20 weeks, the percentage increased. As we left the appointment I remember being scared; no, terrified.
We were selective in who we told about the appointment. Those we told began
praying and we began praying earnestly. In the beginning I prayed that you would
be a healthy baby and that the cluster would disappear, but it’s amazing the way
that God can shape your heart. Over time my prayers turned from “heal my baby”
to “help me to be content with whatever you place before me.” I realized that God
had given us this gift and matched us perfectly for you, regardless of what we felt
capable of. Everyday I prayed for you, and everyday I prayed that we would know
how to show you unconditional love. As the months passed God’s peace was making
it’s way into my life. By the time we were in delivery, that day in the sonogram room
never crossed my mind.
This I know. God is faithful and he hears our prayers. Prayer is a powerful thing
Jaden. Although we can’t see the way it works with our physical eyes I hope you will
experience its power through your spirit someday.
That being said, my son, your name means; Jehovah has heard.
How fitting; how perfect. My sweet boy, this is why we named you Jaden. God has
done many great things in our lives, but this is our greatest answer to prayer. When
we say your name we remember what God has done; that Jehovah has heard and
blessed us beyond our wildest imagination with you.
We love you Jaden.
Love Always,
Mom
