A Loving Dad's Letter to His Miscarried Son; and the Photo That Says it All

Teresa Neumann : Mar 14, 2014
Carole Noviellli – Life News

"I held you on Friday night for the first and last time ever. It was one of the saddest, proudest, most heartbreaking and beautiful moments of my life. It was an honor to hold you." -Tom Riles

(Washington, DC)—Tom Riles and his wife lost their unborn son, Scotland Bansely Riles, in a miscarriage when he was 20 weeks old. (Photo: Tom Riles and son/Life of Dad blog)

According to a report in Life News, the parents were told they could go to a clinic to "take care of the situation" or be admitted to a hospital where Scotland would be delivered, which they did.

Determining where and how the miscarriage would be undergone is a choice the Riles would like others to be aware of because, noted Tom, when Scotland was born, "we held the baby and were with him for about an hour just taking turns holding and singing to him and talking to him and telling [him] about his brother and sister, and we were crying; we're crushed, but at the same time it was beautiful."

Tom subsequently wrote a letter to his son Scotland on his Life of Dad blog. It reads, in part:

Dear Son,

I held you on Friday night for the first and last time ever. It was one of the saddest, proudest, most heartbreaking and beautiful moments of my life. It was an honor to hold you. (Photo: Scotty/Tom Riles/Life of Dad blog)

I'm proud of you, son. Even though you only made it halfway through the pregnancy, you have left a mark on our family that will last forever. Because of you, I love my wife more than ever. Because of you, I feel a stronger connection with my kids… when I hug them, I feel your presence."

We sang to you… and then it was time to say goodbye. You were with us for way too short of a time, but you will be remembered forever. Our precious Scotty… I miss you more than I've ever missed anything. We love you. We will honor you. We will be better parents and people because of you. Thank you.