A grieving father has shared a heartbreaking letter he penned for his baby boy who tragically died from whooping cough at 32 days old.
Western Australian parents Greg Hughes and his wife Catherine welcomed their newborn son Riley on February 13, 2015.
But at just four weeks later, the little boy died in hospital as a result of pneumonia-based complications arising from whooping cough.
Speaking candidly ahead of Father’s Day, the 32-year-old – who has two young daughters – revealed the eulogy he read out on the day of his late son’s funeral.
Father Greg Hughes has shared a heartbreaking letter he penned for his baby boy Riley who tragically died from whooping cough (pictured together)
At just 32 days old, the little boy tragically died after he contracted whooping cough in 2015
Little Riley holding his father’s finger in the days leading up to his tragic death in 2015
‘To my beautiful Riley, you were born into this world on Friday the 13th – a day that so many in my family were quick to admonish due to their superstitious natures,’ Mr Hughes said in a post on his Facebook page Dad Minus One.
‘I, on the other hand, felt like my entire world had been completed. You were a beautiful baby boy who reinstated the balance of power in a distinctly female-dominated household.
‘No more would I have to battle my daughter for the last muesli bar – and lose, or be dictated to by the whims of the Hughes women. I felt empowered.
‘Little did I know that I was far from the only one smitten with you.
Reflecting back on fond memories, Mr Hughes recalled the loving sibling bond shared between his newborn son and daughter Olivia.
‘After your birth, our daughter became a maniacal three-year-old who was hell-bent on telling everyone how perfect you were,’ he recalled.
The last photo of Riley and his sister Olivia together sharing cuddles – taken the night before he was rushed to hospital where he died a few days later
The distraught father spending the final moments with his newborn son Riley in March 2015
‘Whenever I’d go to sit on my couch, I’d be greeted with “Girls only! …And Riley too…!” I’d have been upset if it weren’t for the fact that you were just so perfect that I understood why she made exceptions for you.
‘No-one was allowed to change your nappy without your sister rushing for the change table yelling “I WANT TO SEE THE POOP!”.
‘Strangely enough, she wasn’t quite so forthcoming when it came to actually changing the nappy and disposing of its contents.
‘She was the nappy helper, the bath helper, the change of clothes helper, and the pushing the pram helper.
‘When we explained that your soft forehead was not to be touched for fear of causing you damage, she immediately became the protector and guardian of your precious little scalp, warding off friends, family and strangers alike in her loudest and most matronly voice she could muster.’
Beautiful Riley was born on February 13, 2015 – but just 32 days later, he tragically died
Mr Hughes said he found himself competing against his devoted wife Catherine for their baby son’s love and affection shortly after he was born
And Mr Hughes said he also found himself competing against his devoted wife Catherine, 31, for their baby son’s love and affection.
‘Your mother wasn’t much better,’ he said.
‘From attempting to wrangle you from anyone’s arms whenever there was a cry that went slightly longer than five seconds, to finding my household suspiciously quiet and discovering you and her cuddling and napping together – you were her everything.
‘And who could blame them? All of my hopes and dreams came true the day I met you.’
Looking at the similarities between father and son, Mr Hughes highlighted his son’s lovable traits.
‘Much like myself, you ate, slept, grunted, and ate some more,’ he joked.
‘Whilst other babies woke up their parents by wailing and shrieking, you gently snuffled in your bassinet and were perfectly content, and loved having your back patted as you drifted off blissfully.
‘Even when you decided to wait until I’d removed your nappy before spray-painting me with impeccable aim, I quickly forgave you upon looking into your enormous blue eyes as you gazed at me, your strong neck working overtime to ensure you didn’t miss a minute of the action.
‘Life was perfect. Our family of four was complete.’
The Western Australian father has three kids, including his two daughters Olivia, now aged six, and two-year-old Lucy
The couple gave birth to their ‘rainbow’ daughter Lucy (pictured) 17 months after losing Riley
But on March 17, 2015 – just four weeks after he was born – little Riley tragically died after contracting whopping cough.
‘I stand here completely bereft of words suitable to convey the enormity of loss I’m currently experiencing. I’m devastated, angry, heartbroken, empty, lost, confused, bewildered. My world has been thrown into chaos,’ Mr Hughes said.
‘But somehow, as you always seemed to do whenever I’m feeling down, you’ve helped me find solace.
‘The name Riley means courageous or valiant, and in 32 days you’ve achieved more than I ever could have dreamt to achieve in 32 lifetimes.
‘I want to be mad at you for leaving me behind; my house empty, my three year old bossy, my wife likewise. But I find an inner comfort in the fact that you were put here with a purpose.
‘You’ve changed the world in such a short period of time and you’ve made incredible changes to all of our lives.
‘Until I see you again, I love you Riley John. Love, Dad”.’