Ever since I can remember, my mother has always called me her miracle baby. I was born with a small hole in my heart and stayed in Urgent Care for a week after my birth. Luckily, the hole closed up naturally, I was able to return to home, and I have had no others problems with my heart since.

As it would turn out, this was not the only reason that my mother had given me this nickname. Before having me, my mother went through two miscarriages early in her pregnancy. She had been starting to lose hope on being able to conceive a baby at all. Hence my nickname, "miracle baby."

I have recently been introduced to the term "rainbow baby."

A rainbow baby is born following a miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death or infant loss.

A beautiful and bright rainbow follows a storm and gives hope of things getting better. The rainbow is more appreciated having just experienced the storm in comparison.

There is no way of replacing both of my siblings that have been lost; however, my existence brought joy and light into my mother's life. Remembering that I am a rainbow baby definitely changes the way I think about myself. It allows me to reevaluate my importance and love for myself in an entirely new way than ever before. I am a miracle, and there is no excuse not to remind myself of this every day of my life.

It reminds me that life is precious. Since I have been put into this world, I should not waste the time that I have here. Especially during the approaching Christmas time, being thankful for everything that I have is becoming quite crucial.

As the winter season begins to set in, decorations can be found everywhere, snow falls, cookies are baked, and laughter and happiness fill the hearts of almost everyone you see, it is important to keep your family and friends close. Since the two angel babies, babies that have been lost during pregnancy, at birth or after being born, are still a part of my family. Thus, it is important to keep them in mind.

Having two siblings in heaven watching over me also blesses me with two guardian angels, which I am so grateful for. I believe that everything happens for a reason and to be gifted with the honor of living should never go to waste.

With our society today, it is easy to forget just how lucky we are to be on this Earth. No day will be completely enjoyable, and there are many things that become so simple to take for granted. Please try to keep in mind this holiday season that you are loved and here for a reason.