The Blog

A Letter to Jeremie on His First Birthday

By HFF Co-President Ali McMutrie

365 days ago you had just entered the world.  We don’t know what that was like for you, but at less than 2 pounds, we know that you had a will to live that none of us will ever be able to explain or understand.

We don’t know much about what was going on in your birth mothers life when you were born.  We do know there was no one there to support her, and she was likely very scared.  She had not received basic prenatal care in the months leading up to your birth, she was not healthy, and due to basic complications during your birth in the hospital, she did not survive.

No one was there with your mommy when you entered the world and she left it.  And when your mother passed away, you were alone.

365 days ago another mommy, your friend Seth’s mom, found herself in a similar scary situation.  Seth’s mom was just 23 years old, and Seth’s daddy was not around to support her either.  Seth’s mom was just as scared and alone as your birth mom – except she had the love and support of HFF.

HFF employee, and friend to Seth’s mom, Junia spent two days at the hospital helping her through her labor, and reassuring her that, with HFFs help, she was capable of parenting her new baby.  Seth came into the world the morning of October 10th, too.

Seth was born in the same hospital room you were born in.

The Doctor laid you on the table, Jeremie, screaming and crying, clinging to life.  You were so tiny and frail, but had a strong, loud voice of a little guy who had no intention of giving up.

Junia was approached by the doctor who asked what HFF would be willing to do for you.  In Haiti there is no option for a baby like you, the best option would have been to find an orphanage where you would have spent the rest of your life without a mom or a dad.  We sent an HFF employee to the surrounding provence to search for your birth father, or any relative of yours, but came up with nothing.

During this time, Junia, who just a year earlier found herself in her own difficult situation, coming close to making the decision of giving up one of her children, held and warmed you, she fed you milk with a dropper.  She cuddled and squeezed you tight.

That day Junia became your mommy.  Junia, who with the help of HFF found herself with a steady, stable income and a safe, secure home, made the decision to adopt you as her own son.

Over the next year you grew to be a big strong boy, bigger than any of us could have imagined when we first saw you struggling to breath, so small.  You bring joy to your mom’s life, as well as your big sister’s, Daphka and Schneidine.  You are the son that Junia always wanted and dreamed she would have.  You came to her in a special and unique way, you are a special and unique boy.  You are strong. You are loved.  Happy First Birthday, Jeremie!  Leave your birthday wishes for Jeremie in the comments below!