Five Years After Losing My Son, a Boy in Pajamas Walked In and Changed Everything (4 of 4)

Liam and Rachel became part of my life. We made pizza, played games, and laughed. One day, Liam called me “Uncle Jake,” and I didn’t correct him.

I wasn’t replacing Ethan. No one ever could.

But I was healing.

A few weeks later, Rachel asked if I’d be willing to be Liam’s emergency contact. I didn’t even hesitate.

That night, I pulled out a box of Ethan’s old drawings. Liam pointed to one.

“That’s me,” he said. “And that’s you.”

It was a picture Ethan had drawn years ago.

I don’t pretend to understand it. But I know this: love finds its way.

Sometimes in faded pajamas. Sometimes on a yellow couch.