Eva's Story
Eva Rose Hughes
All of my adult life, I wanted to be a mom. As I watched family and friends announce their pregnancies and introduce their kids to the world, that physical longing only intensified. Eventually, I had the realization that having kids was just not in God’s plan for me. Then one day, at 37 years old, my doctor said to me – “You’re pregnant”. That shock, joy, and amazement soon turned into heartbreak as we were told the pregnancy was ectopic and had to be terminated. I was devastated. God heard my cries and my prayers, and two months later, I was pregnant again.
So much preparation and excitement! On Friday, the 13th of April, Eva Rose (aka mama, aka bear), made her way into the world, and I was finally a mom to the most perfect girl with the crazy curly hair and big personality.
Everything felt so right and natural. With her entrance came fears I have never felt before or even imagined. One of my worries was about babysitters. Who would be trustworthy enough to watch my miracle when I returned to work? Imagine my relief when a family member agreed to babysit. It was great. I would get pictures and videos. I wasn’t worried about her safety.
All of that relief was short-lived. When Eva was just 19 months, a tragic accident took our sweet girl from us. The family member that was watching Eva had her napping in her adult bed with her, and that led to Eva’s passing. I broke into a million pieces. Some of which went with Eva.
It has taken hard work, love and support from family and friends, and a faith I didn’t know existed to continue life without her. On the toughest days, Eva has sent her light to comfort me. Whether it be feathers, balloons, or a tickling at the back of my neck, I know she is with me every moment.
Our hope is The Eva Rose Foundation will bring awareness to baby/child sleep safety, whole-family grief, and offer support to those that experience loss so that they may live in the light of their loved one.
- In Loving Memory of Eva Rose Hughes
April 13, 2018 - November 27, 2019