Chana Ariella

Today was a special day. In the Jewish faith, it is customary to give your daughter a Hebrew name. Typically, this happens when a child is under a year. But as you know, we don’t do typical.

I reached out to the rabbi and requested that he help me come up with a name that truly embodied who Hailey is and who I know she will be.

He sent me a list of names. Without hesitation, I pieced two names together: Chana Ariella.

Chana translates to “grace” or “gracious.” It was a no-brainer. My grandmother’s name was Grace, and that was what she was- grace in every way. Hailey has so many similarities to my Nana who I miss dearly. Nana scrunched her nose the very same way and they share a very knowing little smirk. My Nana would have adored Hailey.

The name Ariella translates to “lioness of G-d.” Could there be a more fitting name? My little graceful warrior.

It was a beautiful intimate ceremony: the four of us, the rabbi, and G-d.

As the rabbi recited the prayers, my daughter’s headband slipped off her head and around her neck. Noah lovingly and delicately tried to fix it for her. She started to giggle, and Noah continued to play with her feet as he always does to make her laugh.

It was a sweet, innocent moment that was full of beauty and light.

The rabbi shared beautiful sentiments about our daughter, our family, and then our son. He said did you know that Noah’s Hebrew name, Nachum, means “comforter” and “protector?” Tears clouded my eyes as I reflected on the truth in this. Noah does those things for his sister, but also for us. He comforts and protects us in so many ways.

These names aren’t just names, but they are true representations of their inner souls.

Religion has been an integral part of my life, but I struggled with it after my miscarriages and Hailey’s diagnosis… but I never disbelieved. I do believe. I believe in the power of prayer and I believe in the power of science. I believe that both of those things will come together to make our hopes a reality.

…When we got into our car, Noah asked us, where is G-d? Where can I find him? Is he a person? Is he a superhero?

We said yes, he is a superhero and he is looking after us. He is everywhere and he is looking after us all.