A Welsh father has written a deeply emotional letter to his son Reuben, who was stillborn at 26 weeks, in the hope of breaking the silence surrounding baby loss. The letter, shared ahead of Father's Day, reflects on the lasting impact his son has had on his life.
Heartfelt words to a lost son
In the letter, Amo recalls hearing Reuben's heartbeat for the first time through a Doppler. "That fast, galloping rhythm that filled the room. It made everything feel real," he writes. He remembers making promises he never got to keep and describes seeing Reuben after birth: "You were so small when I finally saw you. Tiny hands, tiny fingers, a head full of dark hair. You were perfect."
Amo also reflects on the what-ifs, wondering what kind of boy or man Reuben would have become. He finds comfort in seeing Reuben's cousins, noting that Reuben would have been between them in age. "They’re amazing young men, and I know the three of you would have been the best of friends," he writes.
Life changed forever
The loss transformed Amo. "You changed me, Reuben. You made me see life differently. You softened parts of me I didn’t know were hard. You taught me patience and humility," he says. He also reveals that he and Reuben's mother are no longer together, but their shared bond with Reuben remains. "You are the thread that runs through it all," he adds.
A recurring symbol in the letter is a robin that visits Amo, often when he needs it most. "When he sings, it feels like you’re saying, 'I’m still here, Dad,'" Amo writes. He concludes with the poignant line: "If love could have kept you here, you’d have lived forever."
Supporting baby loss charities
Amo is supporting SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society), a charity that provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby and works to improve maternity safety. According to SANDS, around 13 babies are stillborn or die shortly after birth every day in the UK. The charity offers vital support to bereaved parents, ensuring no family faces baby loss alone.
