James Alvarez lived an unimaginable nightmare when a drunk driver killed his pregnant wife. At the time of her death, Yesenia Aguilar was 35 weeks pregnant. Miraculously, doctors saved the couple’s daughter, Adalyn, whom Alvarez is now raising as a single dad. He knew he wanted to honor his wife’s memory every chance he could, so when Adalyn turned a year old, Alvarez had an idea.
Alvarez teamed up with X&V Photography for a special photo shoot. The photographer took the father and daughter back to the spot where the expectant couple had maternity photos taken the year before. The end result is truly perfect.
More from CafeMom: After Wife Died Due to Pregnancy Complication, Man Urges Women To Listen to Their Bodies
During an evening walk, tragedy struck.
According to ABC 7, Alvarez and Aguilar were walking near Katella Avenue and Bayless Street in Anaheim, when a drunk driver reportedly jumped the curb in her SUV and hit the expectant mother. Paramedics rushed Aguilar to an area hospital where, sadly, she died, but they saved Adalyn’s life. The tragic accident took place four years ago, and ever since, Alvarez has dedicated his life to their daughter.
When Adalyn turned a year old, Alvarez wanted something unique.
Alvarez shared touching side-by-side photos on Instagram, one with him and his wife and the other with him and his baby girl.
He wrote, “We did Adalyn’s first birthday photoshoot in honor of my wife. Today, marks one year of losing my wife but also having our beautiful daughter become one year old. We had Adalyn dress up in a pink dress [as] her mommy did and took pictures at the same location where we did our maternity shoot.”
There have been tough times during their journey.
The father added to his post that raising Adalyn alone has challenged him, but that he keeps his “head high.”
He shared a sweet message with his daughter that reads, “Adalyn, I know if your mommy was here, she would have been the happiest person alive. She would be so excited to celebrate your birthday. That’s why, I’m making sure I fulfill her wishes and wish the happiest birthday ever baby. Your mommy and daddy loves you.”
More from CafeMom: Doctor Dad Called the Code When His Wife Died in His Arms Days After Giving Birth
The father/daughter team continues to recreate the photo.
Alvarez and Adalyn return annually to the photo spot to take a picture together and pay homage to Aguila. In August, he posted their most recent photo shoot, and they look as happy as ever together.
This time, he decided to dedicate the post to his late wife’s memory and shared sweet words. He wrote that although she is gone, he sees Aguilar daily when he looks at their daughter and knows their hearts are connected.
“A bond that transcends time and space, bridging the gap between this world and the next,” he wrote. “As I gaze upon our precious girl, my heart swells with bittersweet emotions, a mixture of joy and longing. For in her, I find solace and a cherished reminder that your spirit will forever be alongside us. We love you.”