The Meaning Behind the Name: Elijah

I chose the name Elijah for my son because it conjured up beautiful images in my mind. I envisioned a peaceful world filled with diverse creatures, side by side, as if they were all gathered in a protective haven. The idea of a fresh beginning resonated deeply with me, especially after spending so much of my life surrounded by the ocean. I loved the thought of that ancient figure, Elijah, standing on the edge of his vessel, reaching out to grasp the symbols of peace—a dove and the olive branch she held. Naming my son after such a significant figure felt like a blessing.

The Day Elijah Was Born

The day Elijah was born, the sun broke through the clouds after days of rain. Born in Oregon, he arrived with a tuft of golden hair and a calm demeanor. He was the first of my kids to look back at me with eyes full of curiosity, reflecting my own love for the world—bright blue. His older sister, Sophia, who was seven, held him with excitement, while his four-year-old sister, Mia, nestled him close. His little brother, Leo, just three, was captivated by every sound and movement Elijah made. We named him Elijah Patrick, incorporating his dad’s middle name, and added my maiden name to make him Elijah Patrick Moore. Finally, we included my husband’s last name, so he became Elijah Patrick Moore Thompson. Some joked about “Elijah Moore,” but it didn’t seem so funny in the end.

Tragedy and Loss

Tragedy shadowed our joy, and we didn’t have Elijah for long. At his funeral, just 15 months later, I shared these words: “Elijah. He was ours for one long, beautiful weekend. He embarked on his journey on a Friday and became our answered prayer early Saturday morning, while the world was still. We cherished him before dawn, while others only dreamed of such miracles. By the end of that Saturday, he was woven into our very being. We reveled in his tiny cries, watched him sleep, and played as he discovered the world around him. By Saturday night, he was a part of us, filled with energy and joy, delighting in simple pleasures like ice cream and books.

As Sunday dawned, we envisioned a bright future as a family of six. We laughed together, creating memories that felt rich and fulfilling. It was a day spent in love; we felt grateful and whole. But by Sunday afternoon, he was gone, leaving us with the bittersweet knowledge that we would never experience such a perfect weekend again. Although he arrived last, he left first, and his legacy is one we will carry forever. He taught us lessons that words cannot express, and we will always yearn for that Sunday morning.

Life After Loss

Fast forward twelve years, and we welcomed two more kids into our lives, now living in Costa Rica. I thought dropping Sophia off at college would be heart-wrenching, and it was. However, after saying goodbye to Elijah at a funeral home, any farewell felt a bit easier. I had been documenting the stories of Elijah and his brother, Oliver, whom we lost during stillbirth. Oliver means “Elijah’s dove,” and he joined Elijah in spirit, leaving us with empty arms and his name on our lips.

One spring, friends brought their three sons to visit, including Adam, who has autism. Adam’s parents were Elijah’s godparents, and even though he hadn’t seen Elijah in years, he spent the week calling my other two boys by Elijah’s name. Hearing “Elijah” echoed throughout the house was like music to my ears, and my sons didn’t mind at all. As someone who loves words, naming my children was one of the most fulfilling aspects of motherhood. The silence left where their names used to be is one of the many ways I miss them. At the end of the week, I expressed my gratitude to Elijah’s godfather for the joy of hearing his name spoken so often. He was relieved, thinking it might hurt me to hear it, yet it was a reminder of how misunderstood grief can be.

A few days later, I received a digital story from a relative called “The Things That Matter.” In her brief presentation, she mentioned how Elijah had taught her daughter to climb stairs before he left. It was another precious moment for me to hear his name again.

Remembering Elijah and Oliver

Even after 16 and 17 years, I miss my sons every single day. Their names are forever in my heart. When people hesitate to mention our children’s names, it makes us wonder if they’ve been forgotten. I want to shout their names to the universe every day. “Elijah!” “Oliver!” For bereaved parents, these are the things that truly matter.

Finding Hope and Resources

In the end, whether you’re navigating the world of home insemination or dealing with loss, we all have our journeys. If you’re interested in learning more about fertility options, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. And for those looking for at-home insemination kits, you can find valuable information here.

Summary

This heartfelt narrative reflects on the profound impact of losing a child, focusing on the joy and sorrow intertwined in the experience. Through the story of Elijah and his brother Oliver, the author shares the significance of naming and remembrance in the context of grief, emphasizing the importance of keeping their memories alive while navigating life’s milestones.