James Alvarez didn't think he'd be parenting a child solo back when his wife, Yesenia, was pregnant. The two of them were madly in love, and James had a clear vision for his future.
Their love was also felt by others. James, who has a way with words, documented it all on Instagram. On their wedding day, he wrote the sweetest ode to his dear wife.
"The moment I saw you, I knew I wanted to spend my whole life with you," he wrote back in 2018. "Everyday, I love walking up every morning to your smile, and excited to get one last kiss before I fell asleep. Those little things makes fall in love you every single day. You're truly amazing and I know you’ll continue to be amazing. I’m thankful to finally call you my wife. I love you now and forever."
Yesenia was hit by an alleged drunk driver while she and James were out on a walk. Not only did he have to see it happen, but it all happened in such a blur that it didn't feel real. Their daughter was delivered prematurely through a cesarean section at the hospital.
Baby Adalyn had a shaky start but managed to recover beautifully. "My wife was taken so fast," James said. "I lost my world in one second. We lost a daughter, a mother, a cast member, a friend, a best friend, and a wife. We are still devastated and truly hard to believe she's gone. We have our daughter that is fighting for her life just like her mother did."
It's amazing to think of the amount of grief and emotion that James has been through. While Adalyn was a fighter and managed to recover, he had to process the loss of his wife. It's something he's still working to do through photos every day.
Recently, James put together a beautiful photo shoot in honor of the maternity photos that he and his wife had taken right before the accident. The original pictures show the two of them happy and in love. Without a doubt, the two of them would have parented beautifully together had they gotten the opportunity.
Baby Adalyn's first birthday was celebrated with a photo shoot at the same location where the initial photos were taken, and many were in the same spirit. Adalyn posed just like her mom did over a year before, and it was a reminder that the memory of Yesenia would never disappear. But that wasn't the only shoot that James had planned this year.
The Day of the Dead, also known as Día de los Muertos, is a tradition in Mexico to help honor those who have died. Every year, it's celebrated just after Halloween — on October 31 through November 2. It was the perfect time to reflect on the life of Yesenia.
He even showcased a photo he had taken last year for the same reason. In it, he's wearing face paint that looks like a skull and cradling a much younger Adalyn. "Photoshoot of last years Dia De Los Muertos to honor my wife," he wrote. "Rest In Peace Yesenia Aguilar. I know you left too soon but Adalyn and I will always remember you."
This year's shoot had Adalyn more involved. She, too, celebrated with face paint. Of course, James knew exactly what to say in the caption upon revealing the new pictures. "Today, we celebrate not your death but your life," he wrote. "You were truly a light that illuminated this world. With your smile, you captured my heart. With your kiss, you were able to seal the love I have for you forever. Even though you're no longer with me, you will always have my heart."
"Wifey, I thank you for giving me one last gift, our beautiful daughter," he continued. "So much has changed over the year but the love for you, will never fade. This day, Adalyn and I offer you, the love and care that you have shown us by giving your life to save ours."
Everything that James went through is a big reminder that life isn't guaranteed. Anything can happen that can take things off course. It's always important to remember to tell people how much we love them and care about them while they're still here, so that there's never any doubt.
No matter what James does, it's safe to assume that every year he'll make a point to honor Yesenia. While the story is tragic, especially since the suspected drunk driver charged with killing Yesenia has pleaded not guilty, it's good to be able to see Adalyn grow up to be a strong woman just like her mother.
