The post below is a note written by Bjork for baby Afton. Thank you to all who are continuing to keep Lindsay and Bjork in your thoughts and prayers. – Jenna
Our sweet Afton was born on December 31st and died peacefully in the arms of his mom in the early morning hours of January 1st.
Our grief is deep and wraps around us. It seeps through our skin and into our hearts. We feel it not just because of how hard this is, but also because of how good it was for the few short hours that Afton was with us.
We held him on our chest. We felt his heartbeat. We whispered in his ear how much we love him and always will. We gave him a bath and wrapped him in a little blanket. We told him about his family. His mom and dad. His grandma and grandpa. His aunts and uncles. We read him the book Guess How Much I Love You.
He gave me so much in the few hours that he was here. He gave me the gift of being a dad and showed me how much I love it. He gave me the chance to hold my son and tell him a story. He gave my parents a grandson.
And he gave me an image that will forever be imprinted on my mind; his mom, after being awake for 36 hours, after having her body opened up and her baby taken out, sitting on a hospital chair in a NICU room lit only by the light from monitors and flashing equipment, surrounded by crushing fear and grief but using all her strength to hold it back long enough to create a 1 lbs 3 oz pocket of peace where she could comfort her baby and make sure he heard his mom’s voice as he left this world…
“Afton, sweet Afton. It’s okay baby. Your mom and dad are here. We love you so much. We love you so much Afton.”
It was in that moment, with Afton taking his last few breaths as he laid on Lindsay’s chest, that I felt a deep and profound sense of wholeness and holiness. Never again will something be this hard and this good.
Lindsay: Forever and ever.
Afton: Can you guess how much I love you? I love you right up to the moon and back.
During this time, several readers have asked if there’s an organization or cause that would be best to give to in Afton’s name. Here’s a quick note from Lindsay and Bjork for where to give if you feel led. Click here to reach the donation page:
This experience has given us a profound appreciation for the meaning of family. We know that there are many others, both here and around the world, whose families have also been broken by tragedy.
We hope to honor Afton’s memory by pouring into the lives of hurting children who don’t have families of their own to care for them. Bjork and I lived and worked at the Children’s Shelter of Cebu orphanage for one year and saw firsthand the loving and lifesaving ways that children are cared for in times when they are most vulnerable.
Thank you for being a family to these children with us, and for doing so in memory of our precious son Afton.
Bjork, Lindsay and Afton
Hello Lindsay and Bjork, my name is Erin and I’ve been a happy follower of your wonderful recipes for some years now.
Tonight I discovered your story of Afton’s life, and I wanted to tell you that I love him with you. I’m holding space for him tonight, hundreds of miles away and years later, unknown to you on any personal level… But I honor his life with you, I celebrate his life with you, and I love him with you. I am a nurse, and I felt so honored to read your nurse’s letter to Afton. What a gift she gave. You will hold him again, but until then, we’ll all hold a place for him with you.
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I’m am so so sorry my mom lost 3 of her children before she had me so she know how you guys feel
🙏🙏❤❤🙏🙏
I came here for a recipe and stumbled onto this most heartbreakingly beautiful story. I don’t know how you’ve managed to find the words to describe the indescribable but you have. I have nothing to offer except my whole heart of love and light to you and your family.
May God bless you and your family. I admire your strength during this time. Your story has truly touched my heart. Thank you for sharing.
Lindsay and Bjork, I weep with you both over the loss of your baby. I am praying that Jesus will wrap his arms around you both and strengthen and support you as you try to cope with your feelings and the loss of your little one. When my daughter lost her baby while five months pregnant, the baby was less than a pound but still a viable baby, and many years later, I still think of baby Carly and how she is waiting to meet me in Heaven.
i knew you gadbeen hospialized but didnot realize that Afton had come….i am so sorry.
We lost our Nicholas at 22weeks 4 days.
it is such an incredible hurt. Such a wonderous pain. I will tell you that Time helps tremendously.
I will also tell you will never be the same, and there will always be an empty chair at the table.
BUT you will be ok. You will love each other more and be stronger than you ever believed possible.
I will be praying for your family.
i am very, very sorry for the loss of your son. Next month will be the 24th birthday of my son Benjamin, who was stillborn. the pain remains, but it is not sharp. It aches. you and your husband are in my prayers. Hugs.
This is my first time visiting your blog. Sending my sincerest condolences on the loss of your beautiful Afton. As a mother, my heart just breaks for you, and also is so touched that you got to experience his magic even for just a day. Sending prayers to your family.
Like so many others, I came across your website looking for a recipe…and found your story. God bless you as you heal, and fly high, little angel Afton.
Thinking about you both often. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you strength and comfort.
Dearest Bjork and Lindsay,
Congratulations for your baby, congratulations for being such awesome parents and congratulations for being such an outstanding example to us all. You leave me overwhelmed by the grace and love with which you have faced the whole ordeal. Afton’s time with you might be extremely brief, but he accomplished more in those hours than I have in my life time: he gathered thousands of people around the world in prayer and unity touching our hearts and spreading love with his mere appearance.
I will keep praying for the Holy Spirit to continue giving you strength, peace and courage to get you through this very demanding time, knowing that your precious sweet Afton is awaiting in heaven. Lots of love to you and your families from Madrid!
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts and I wish you lots of love & light. xx, Cleshawn
Im so sorry for your loss. I cant imagine what your going through. I will pray for you all. You now have an angel looking out for you. ox
Though we have never met, your family has become a dear part of ours. We come to the blog for dinner inspiration and updates from someone who has become like a friend. My heart aches for you, and we will be lifting your sweet and incredible family up in prayer. You have blessed so many of us through your work, your generous heart, and authenticity. I pray this may be a time where You can now be covered in blessing. Afton will be loved and treasured forever.
Such a beautiful post <3, thinking about you guys! xox
I am so sorry for the grief and sorrow they feel and pray that Lindsay and Bjork can find peace. Hugs.
I’ve been following your blog for about 3 years now but hadn’t been on in a few weeks. I feel like I know you both from the blog (but don’t really know you both), and the news has moved me to tears. Deepest condolences to you and prayers that the sadness will be healed.
I can only send my love and hugs by way of this comment to you. A loyal reader.
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my newborn almost five years ago. I love his name and reminds me of the beautiful song by Nickel Creek called Sweet Afton.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNrSMLQ8P7c
After read this article My heart is broken for you. I will always praying for you. God bless you.
I am so very sorry to read this news. You will be in my thoughts. May your sweet boy rest in peace. What a beautiful tribute you have created for him. Hugs…
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you all the strength to get through this.
Every baby is SO precious! It is so comforting to know that this is what God thinks, too… and that He has welcomed sweet Afton with wide open arms. “Let the little children come to Me…”
Thank you, Lindsay & Bjork, for sharing your lives so deeply with us. You point us to the almighty, all-loving God by your peace & your steadfastness even in the midst of such a sad time.
Keep looking to the Lord during this time… He is faithful. He will be your Rock & your comfort.