After struggling with infertility for over six years, my husband Chris and I started 2022 with a miracle; we were finally pregnant! We were so happy, grateful, and honestly in disbelief that this was actually happening. Our dream of having a family was finally coming true.
Nine months later, fear struck when I went into early labor and noticed our baby wasn’t moving. We raced to the hospital, clinging to hope even as dread filled the space. The nurse placed the ultrasound wand on my belly, and we held our breath. Then she said the words that shattered our world…
“There’s no heartbeat."
On September 23rd, 2022, after 8 hours of intense labor, Caden was born still.
Our beautiful little boy.
We couldn’t stop looking at him—touching his soft cheeks, kissing his little lips, and taking in every detail of his face. We wanted to memorize him, to hold onto every second of the limited time we had with him. Losing Caden was the deepest, most devastating heartbreak we have ever known.
While I was pregnant, Chris and I purchased matching t-shirts for the three of us from a company I followed on Instagram. Their designs featured inspiring words woven into illustrations of animals. Chris and I were drawn to the lion—the one that carried the word, courage.
After giving birth to Caden, the hospital offered us something priceless: a professional photographer who volunteered her time to capture our first—and our last—family photos. We draped Caden’s toddler courage shirt across his body and placed a lion stuffed animal beside him. That was the moment the lion became his symbol—and courage became his anthem.
Caden’s Courage was created to honor our son and the courage his life awakened in us. Through loving and losing Caden, we have learned that healing isn't about moving on from pain—it's about allowing it to transform. His life continues to change us in profound ways teaching us what it truly means to live authentically—to listen to ourselves more deeply, protect our energy, face painful truths, and choose healing even when the path is difficult.
Through every piece we create, we hope to honor Caden’s life while reminding others that they are not alone in what they carry. This is Caden's Courage—and it lives on in every heart brave enough to choose healing, feel deeply, embrace truth, and live with courage, purpose, and heart.