Keegan Daniel

If you are familiar with my story at all, you know that our second child, Daniel, was stillborn on March 16, 2005. What you probably don't know is that his due date was May 9th. I got pregnant with our third child and was due on that same date exactly one year later. I was anxious throughout most of the pregnancy, not knowing if it would end with a healthy birth. I was recently reading through a journal and here are some of the things I wrote concerning my third pregnancy, "The doctors have been checking you out very carefully making sure you are growing and everything is going well. It is.", "We are so anxious for your arrival.", "Life is such a precious miracle. I am just amazed at God through all of this." Unlike with my other two children, we did decide to find out the gender of this baby. We were having another son and toward the end of the pregnancy, we ended up scheduling a cesarean birth for May 3rd at 10 a.m., but God had different plans. 

On April 28, 2006, at 7:36 p.m., Keegan Daniel was born. Keegan means "the fiery one" and Daniel means "God is my judge." My desire for this child was that he would be strong in the womb, full of fight, and he would fully enjoy life. We dedicated him to God from day one. God knew him in the womb and already had a purpose for his future. Again, from the journal, "We just love you so much. You really are a miracle to our family.", "You are still the cutest baby boy! Your eyes are so big and blue. You are truly an amazing little guy. We are blessed by you.", You are growing too fast. Time is flying by! I wish we could put these times in slow motion." I always wished there was a way to remember any memory I wanted to, but I knew over the years many things would be forgotten. On Tuesday, April 28th, 2026, my Keegan Daniel will celebrate his twentieth birthday.

Keegan is a great "kid". He has lived up to his name and keeps us on our toes. For the most part, he does truly enjoy life to the fullest. Currently, he is a go-with-the-flow, carefree guy. Keegan gets upset when those around him are. He wants everyone to be happy. He gives the greatest hugs and is not embarrassed to show affection for his family in public. Keegan stands firm to his belief in God. He knows that "God is [his] judge" and he is not willing to compromise what he believes. He would rather spend time alone than hang out with a group of friends who may be up to something he doesn't feel right participating in. He has taught me to give grace to others in situations where I'm quick to get angry.  

I don't know what all God has in store for my son's future, but I do know that in God's hands is the best place for him to be. My journal entry from July 3, 2018, says "Life is speeding by but I'm glad to spend my days being your mom." I don't see life slowing down at any point, but I will forever be grateful to God for blessing us with you. "Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, offspring, a reward." Psalms 127:3 (CSB) 

Happy Birthday!!