Tomorrow is not guaranteed. This quote carries a deeper meaning for my family now more than ever.
Joey Tate Kim was born on December 28, 2021, and left us too soon on July 23, 2022.
Joey was a joyful, content, and wise baby, always smiling, patient, and considerate, even as a six-month-old. His presence brought so much love and light, and he calmly rolled with the energy of his rambunctious brothers, always seemingly putting others’ needs before his own.
From the twinkle of his eyes and soothing coos, he was a living embodiment of “be in the moment” and his memory reminds me to try and truly recognize and cherish “the little things” in each day.
Joey was little but so full of love and wisdom.
When my mind felt scrambled with worries and the stress of the many “to-do” lists, Joey was the calming presence in my life, my sanctuary, my little person that made me feel accepted for all that I was, flaws and all. He made me feel like I was enough. I am still not sure why or how he was able to exude this effect, but he made me feel like he was here, for me.
We named him Joey Tate because Joey means “to increase” or “to give” and Tate means “cheerful,” and my little Joey Tate did indeed increase the cheer and truly existed to give.
Never in a million years would I have imagined how little time we would have together.
On July 15, 2022, our world flipped upside down.
Joey was found unresponsive in his playpen. We called emergency services and started CPR, which continued on the ambulance ride all the way into the Emergency Department, where we got his heartbeat back.
The next eight days in the pediatric ICU were filled with what started out as hope and evolved into sorrow.
Joey fought hard to give us more time to process. He showed us kindness in his struggle, as if gently telling us, “It’s okay to let me go.”
With Joey being the loving soul that he is, upon his Earthly departure, Joey gave more of himself to this world. Joey donated his kidneys and gave a second chance at life to someone else. He died on July 23, 2022, just six months and 25 days new.
Joey continues to give in his physical absence and I realize every day just how much he has taught me and how much he continues to teach me. With the lens of grief, I see and feel things more deeply and ultimately differently, and in many shades, all the while being colored with more grace and compassion.
I thought I was supposed to guide my children. I never imagined it would be my angel baby guiding me for the rest of my life.
Thank you for reading Joey’s Story. To be part of my grief journey and to learn more about what Joey has taught me, please follow along on Instagram (@whatjoeytaughtme).
