Cedar DeBruyn

With hearts forever changed, we share the life of our beloved three-month-old son, Cedar Owen DeBruyn.

Cedar had a smile for everyone. From the very beginning, he caused an undeniable wave of baby fever wherever he went. Strangers, nurses, friends, and family were instantly drawn to him. But the smile he saved for us—his moms—was uniquely ours. It melted our hearts every single time, a look of love that felt deep, knowing, and meant just for us.

At 27 weeks of pregnancy, Cedar was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a rare and complex congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is critically underdeveloped. Before we even held him in our arms, we knew he was brave. At just six days old, our courageous boy underwent open-heart surgery. He faced more in his first week of life than many do in a lifetime. True to who he was, he did so incredibly well that we were discharged home after just 34 days—strong, hopeful, and so proud of him.

Cedar had the silliest personality. From birth, he gave us the most expressive faces—cranky old man scowls, “why are you looking at me?” side-eyes, and the most breathtaking eyes of love and understanding. He was always so sweet and kind, with a gentle spirit that radiated far beyond his tiny body.

He loved to cuddle and would nestle in close as if he knew just how precious every moment was. He would stick his tongue out at you and laugh, turning even the hardest days into something lighter. Though he started out a month behind, just days before he became sick he was reaching milestones of four- and five-month-olds, showing us his determination and strong will. That strength defined him.

Cedar was curious, observant, and wonderfully pensive—an old soul in the smallest form. He loved watching people, studying the world around him with thoughtful eyes. His favorite colors were red and pink. His favorite food was “milkies.” He adored his pacifier and would reach for it with purpose. Christmas lights fascinated him; he would light up just as brightly as they did.

He especially loved seeing his regular medical team. Each time he saw them, his whole face would glow. In his short but powerful life, Cedar brought together a village—family, friends, nurses, doctors, and supporters—who surrounded him with unwavering love. For that village, and for the community he built simply by being himself, we are forever grateful.

A service to honor Cedar’s beautiful life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville, MI 49418). Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Saturday from 1-1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Though Cedar’s time here was far too short, the depth of his love, resilience, and spirit will remain with us always. He taught us strength, patience, and a love bigger than we ever imagined possible. We will carry his smile, his warmth, and his old-soul wisdom in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

Forever our son. Forever our light.