Remembering Canaan: A Journey of Loss, Love, and Hope

On July 28, 2021, we welcomed our third son, Canaan Clark Watts, into our family. He joined his two big brothers, Carter and Remington, making our family feel complete. We affectionately called him our little caboose, our last baby. His brothers adored him, and our home was filled with love and laughter.

But on September 24, 2021, just four days shy of his two-month birthday, our lives changed forever. That morning, as we were getting ready for work and school, I noticed Canaan hadn't woken up. When I touched him and he didn't move, panic set in. He wasn't breathing. His dad and I sprang into action, calling 911 and performing CPR until the ambulance arrived. We followed the paramedics to the hospital, hoping for a miracle. Sadly, the doctor delivered the news that shattered our world: Canaan was gone.

At just 22 and 23 years old, his dad and I were devastated. Our boys lost their baby brother, and our family was forever altered. The pain of losing Canaan to SIDS was unimaginable. Despite assurances from doctors that it wasn't my fault, I couldn't help but blame myself. I was his mother; I was supposed to protect him.

A year later, we received the official cause of death: SIDS. In our grief, I sought to educate myself about SIDS and became involved in raising awareness. Our hearts found some solace when we learned we were expecting a baby girl, Zaelynn Sage, born on April 18, 2024.

During my pregnancy with Zaelynn, I reached out to the Briggs and Barrett Project, sharing our story and explaining why we needed an Owlet baby monitor but couldn't afford one. Their generosity touched us deeply when they sent us one for free. For three months, the Owlet gave us peace of mind, alleviating the constant fear of losing another child to SIDS.

This week, in the spirit of paying it forward, we donated the Owlet to another family in need. Thanks to the Briggs and Barrett Project, we experienced a sense of security that allowed us to worry less and cherish our time with Zaelynn more.

We are eternally grateful for the support and kindness shown to us. Your work is truly amazing, and we fully support your mission. We hope to honor Canaan's memory by continuing to raise awareness about SIDS and supporting families affected by it. Thank you for giving us peace of mind and helping us through the darkest time in our lives.

In loving memory of Canaan Clark Watts.