The Unspeakable Spoken

Though his life was brief, Gibson undoubtedly had the very best Dad of them all. Dustin Miller loved and fought for Gibson in every second he was given.

It is evidenced by the dozens upon dozens of notes that Dustin captured in those short and long three days – recording every blood pressure reading, every conversation with a doctor, every update from rounds, every medication given, and every question answered.

It is evidenced in the tenderness, pride, and joy that was so clearly present in the way Dustin touched and spoke to Gibson at his bedside.

It is evidenced in the intentional way that in the midst of his own pain, he continually cares for the mother of his child when she is hurting and needs the support that only he can provide.

And it is evidenced in the way that Dustin continues to honor Gibson’s life and the love that we both carry so present in our hearts.

I took this screenshot of Dustin and Gibson while I was with them on FaceTime, still separated at the other hospital. I am cautious in sharing photos because the reality of a Cardiac NICU can be shocking and I also want to honor Gibson and our family in what images I do decide to share openly.

At the point that this photo was taken, Gibson had just come out of his second heart surgery and things were pretty rocky. In the midst of all that anxiety and fear, I was struck by the gentleness and love that I was witnessing in such a simple action- the stroke of a loving father’s hand on his son’s head.

In that moment I felt overwhelmingly blessed to know that I had a partner like Dustin carrying us through this. And looking back, I’m also grateful that I had the presence of mind to take a screenshot so I can now carry that moment forever. It was pure, sacrificial love on display in the most raw form. The visceral love between a father and his son. And it brought so much comfort to this distressed mama’s heart.

I know it’s not what we had hoped, but a father as incredible as you, Dustin Miller, deserves to be celebrated. It’s what Gibson would have wanted and it’s what I promise to always do. Even in his absence. Happy first Father’s Day my love, you are simply the best.