Connor died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in 1997. He was 3 mos. and 24 days old. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him and feel his presence next to me. I went on to have three more beautiful children and they all know about their brother Connor.

We celebrate his life every year on April 12th. Each of my children know they have a brother in heaven. When someone asks them how many brothers and sisters they have they immediately say 4. 

I’ll celebrate his life, as short as it was. Connor gave me and many people an incredible gift. I’ll always remember how many people reached out to me when he died to tell me how he touched their lives and made them hug their own children a little tighter. He helped me find my passion and follow my dreams. If I could change the way things happened I would but, through the tragedy of his death, I found who I was meant to be and my calling.

Thank you Connor, for giving me that gift. Happy Birthday baby – Mommy loves you.

- Alison Jacobson, First Candle CEO