Orrie Kai: A Name Written in the Stars and the Waves
October 5, 2024
In our quest to name our son, we wanted our daughter to feel included. She innocently suggested “Seas” as a middle name. We loved the thought, but it didn’t quite flow with Orion. Ultimately, we chose “Kai,” and the day after his birth, when looking up the meaning, it hit me like a wave that it translates to “sea” in Japanese, which felt like a beautiful sign that this name was truly meant for him.
Initially, I had my heart set on another name before we ultimately chose Orion Kai. I vividly remember the excitement that filled the delivery room during my labor as I watched my husband and the doctor discuss the names we were considering. When my husband spoke about the name “Orion Kai,” warmth filled his voice, and his eyes sparkled as he shared the inspiration from Men in Black and the mesmerizing constellation of Orion’s Belt. He explained that we wanted to wait until we saw him before making our final decision.
When he was finally nestled in my arms, it felt as if the world stood still in that tender moment. Gazing into his eyes, I knew without hesitation that he was meant to be Orion Kai. In reflecting on this journey, I realize that God has been guiding us all along, bringing us to the perfect name. Everything fell into place just as it was meant to be, a beautiful reminder that His hand was in every part of our journey, even when we didn’t see it.
The name Orion, meaning “Heaven’s light,” alongside Kai, which beautifully translates to “sea,” created an unbreakable link that felt written in the stars. In the fleeting time we shared, these names reflected the beautiful dance between light and water, enveloping us in warmth and happiness, a heartfelt symbol of the love and peace he instilled within our family.
Looking back now, the significance of these names feels even deeper. Since Orion’s passing, “Heaven’s light” has taken on new meaning, reminding us that his light guides us through our grief, offering comfort in the darkest moments. Orion and Kai beautifully complement each other, light and sea intertwined in harmony. Together, they reflect a love that transcends loss, like “Heaven’s light” radiating through the darkness, reminding us that beauty can emerge even in the midst of sorrow.
After Orrie’s passing, I found comfort in the sight of otters, especially as stuffed animals that seemed to appear everywhere. Each time I encountered one, it felt like a sweet nudge from him, a reminder of the love that still surrounds me. These moments felt like loving signs, showing that our bond is forever cradled in God’s gentle embrace. This inspiration led to “Orrie the Otter.” Otters are known for their adorable habit of holding hands as they drift together, symbolizing the love and connection I will always share with my son.
Orrie the Otter embodies the precious moments we had, reminding me that even in his brief time with us, the warmth of our love is everlasting. In the midst of my grief, the presence of otters serves as a gentle reminder that love continues to bloom, no matter how deep the sorrow.
Grief ebbs and flows like the sea; some days, I float peacefully on the days we had together that remain etched in my heart, and other days, the waves threaten to pull me under. In those overwhelming moments, there’s a quiet comfort in knowing that Orrie’s light still shines, helping me find my way through. His memory is proof that love doesn’t end with loss; it finds new ways to stay with us, providing comfort and strength in my darkest hours.
In my heart, I carry the warmth of Orion’s love, which shines brightly even through my grief. Every otter I catch sight of is a loving reminder of the joy he brought into my life, symbolizing the short yet precious moments we spent together.
I’m always looking for the next otter as a gentle way to keep Orrie alive in my heart. I hope that when others see otters, they remember him and the light he brought into our world.
This is Love. This is Healing. This is Grief.
