One year ago, James Alvarez’s life was irreparably changed in an instant.
James and his wife, Yesenia Aguilar, were taking a walk in Anaheim, California, at the time. Yesenia was 35 weeks pregnant with their first baby, and they were excited to meet their daughter in the coming weeks.
Tragically, Yesenia would never get to meet her little girl. In a horrific accident, a drunk driver jumped the curb and hit the expectant mom. She passed away from her injuries, but doctors were able to save her baby, who was delivered by C-section.
In one day, James lost the love of his life – and gained another.
In the year since he lost his wife, James has focused all of his attention on recovering from the trauma of that awful day and on raising Adalyn Rose the way he knows Yesenia would want. Thousands of people started following him on social media for updates on how he has fathered a newborn through his grief.
For Adalyn’s first birthday, James wanted to do something special to honor his late wife’s memory.
Before the accident, the couple had posed for a pregnancy photo shoot featuring Yesenia’s baby bump. James enlisted X & V Photography to recreate the shoot with just him and Adalyn.
Adalyn matched her mommy’s style in a frilly pink dress, while James wore the same outfit he had in the original session. When the incredible dad shared the photos on Instagram, they quickly went viral.
“Today marks one year of losing my wife but also having our beautiful daughter become 1 year old,” he wrote.
“It’s been a tough journey but I did it with my head held high,” he continued. “I try to be the best father I could be for my daughter. I want to make my wife proud.”
James keeps his Instagram current so Adalyn can look back and see how much she has always been loved. He’s also doing everything he can to keep Yesenia’s memory alive.
Adalyn, I know if your mommy was here, she would have been the happiest person alive. She would be so excited to celebrate your birthday. That’s why, I’m making sure I fulfill her wishes and wish the happiest birthday ever baby. Your mommy and daddy loves you.”
This resilient dad has found a way forward in spite of unspeakable tragedy. His love for Adalyn is so powerful that you can actually see it in these photos.
Share this story to wish Adalyn a very happy first birthday.
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