So not very many know that I signed up to be a volunteer photographer for a non-profit organization called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep it's an organization made up of volunteer photographers that go to hospitals and take pictures of babies either early trimester still born, full term still born (like Broc), babies that didn't live long after delivery or children that are going to be taken off life support, and anywhere in between. It took me awhile to decide for sure to sign up, but I think it was the right choice. I can relate well with the families and I cherish the pictures that were taken of Broc. Though they were not taken by this organization, I am so thankful to who ever took them!
So last Tuesday I got my first call, a week after Broc's day! A nurse from Thunderbird called and asked if I was available to come down ASAP to photograph a baby, I said yes and asked what the situation was so I knew what I was walking into.
Now it's crazy how the Lord works...
The story of this family is similar to ours. The Mom was 37 weeks pregnant and woke up not felling Baby Chandler moving, she went into the doctor and was told there was no heartbeat! Oh, how I remember that feeling!
Well Dad is in the Navy and was on a submarine so they wanted him home before she delivered. Which meant 5 days later... Can you imagine knowing your child inside you was gone and you just had to wait! It's amazing how I was thankful for my trial!! Broc was perfect in every way! This baby had been deceased for 5 days! I won't go into detail but this poor baby wasn't in the best of shape! So I arrived and took pictures of sweet Chandler. The parents didn't want to be in them so it is just him.
This is Mom's wedding ring, we couldn't get Dad's off...
Thanks to Mom for watching Kernan so I could go do this. I was worried I was going to loose it but I actually drove away from the hospital with a sense of peace, knowing that what I just did was the right thing! And knowing that I just gave that family something they will cherish forever! A special Thanks to Melanie for helping me edit these, getting him to look perfect! For more information about Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep visit their website at www.nilmdts.org it is a great thing and I'm so thankful to be involved in it!
So last Tuesday I got my first call, a week after Broc's day! A nurse from Thunderbird called and asked if I was available to come down ASAP to photograph a baby, I said yes and asked what the situation was so I knew what I was walking into.
Now it's crazy how the Lord works...
The story of this family is similar to ours. The Mom was 37 weeks pregnant and woke up not felling Baby Chandler moving, she went into the doctor and was told there was no heartbeat! Oh, how I remember that feeling!
Well Dad is in the Navy and was on a submarine so they wanted him home before she delivered. Which meant 5 days later... Can you imagine knowing your child inside you was gone and you just had to wait! It's amazing how I was thankful for my trial!! Broc was perfect in every way! This baby had been deceased for 5 days! I won't go into detail but this poor baby wasn't in the best of shape! So I arrived and took pictures of sweet Chandler. The parents didn't want to be in them so it is just him.
This is Mom's wedding ring, we couldn't get Dad's off...
Thanks to Mom for watching Kernan so I could go do this. I was worried I was going to loose it but I actually drove away from the hospital with a sense of peace, knowing that what I just did was the right thing! And knowing that I just gave that family something they will cherish forever! A special Thanks to Melanie for helping me edit these, getting him to look perfect! For more information about Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep visit their website at www.nilmdts.org it is a great thing and I'm so thankful to be involved in it!
7 comments:
I'm glad you were able to feel peace from the whole thing. I really like the picture of the hand. Your right about the time though. I feel for the family that lost this precious child. I hope they can feel peace one day.
This post really took my breath away. What an amazing, amazing thing you are doing for these people. I honestly can't imagine going through what you and these other people went through. You are giving these people such a tremendous gift. Wow Jessica.
How utterly amazing, the gift that you are giving these people. As the days, months, and years go by, these photos will become more precious to these families, as you already know. You will be truly blessed for your selfless act of kindness.
Although I think what you are doing is a nice thing for those who have lost a child, I think these types of personal pictures & posts are better left for the private setting. Maybe you have the parent's permission, and if they want pictures for the world to see that is great. But as a random person who came across this post, I have to say it is a bit too personal for public viewing. :)
Thanks for your thoughts... I do have permission from the parents, I wouldn't have posted it if I didn't! And that is also why there are only a few pictures, and not ALL the details of this experience to still keep some of it private. Next time you feel like leaving me this kind of comment, you could at least leave your name. Thank you...
Jessica. You are amazing to do this. When I opened your blog.. my Itunes shuffled to the song "invisibly shaken" by rodney atkins and I cried thru your entire post. I don't know if I would have the strength to do this. You are such a blessing to these people who share your experience. You are amazing honey. I am going to go hug all my kids now. Love you girl.
I am sure your tenderness and the sense that you "had been there" really helped this grieving family. You are so strong!
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