If you have been reading this blog for long, you know I am passionate about the work we do for "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep," which is a charitable organization of volunteer photographers who provide remembrance photography (at no cost) to families suffering the loss of a baby. The most common response we get when we try to explain this to people is, "I don't see how you do it." The short answer to that is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). The longer answer is, although I have not personally been through the experience, I have many friends and family who have lost an infant, and many of them have nothing tangible by which to remember their child. I think that adds another level to an already tragic situation.
There are still a lot of misconceptions about these images. Remembrance photography is nothing new; it began back in Victorian times. But when people think of taking pictures of a baby that is dying or has recently passed on, most people don't think these images could be beautiful. I want to dispel that notion -- a BIG thank you goes to Addison's parents for encouraging us to share this slideshow...
There are still a lot of misconceptions about these images. Remembrance photography is nothing new; it began back in Victorian times. But when people think of taking pictures of a baby that is dying or has recently passed on, most people don't think these images could be beautiful. I want to dispel that notion -- a BIG thank you goes to Addison's parents for encouraging us to share this slideshow...
I was very touched by what Addison's mom said in encouraging us to share this slideshow:
These photos, and especially the slide show, have been the one thing our family can look to as the bright spot in this terrible thing that has happened. In fact, [my husband's] extended family was so touched by the NILMDTS organization that, as a Christmas gift to us, they all pitched in and made a donation in Addison's memory. But we all know that behind the organization are the selfless, caring people like you and Ken, who volunteer your time and resources to help families like mine.
I have to share with you that until we learned of the existence of the organization (48 hours after Addison's birth, and just 15 hours after her diagnosis/prognosis), we weren't sure if we should have our son come to the hospital to meet his baby sister, who was destined to die within days. We weren't sure if it would be traumatizing or too weird for him. But once we learned about the organization, it was a no-brainer. There was nothing I wanted more at that moment than pictures of my two children together. And those pictures will help [him] remember his little sister as he grows up.
I wish there was more awareness of NILMDTS... The gratitude that we have for the services that you and Ken, personally, and the NILMDTS organization, as a whole, provided for our family cannot be fully expressed. Thank you again, and if there is anything we can do to help spread the word about NILMDTS please let us know.
Addison's mom and I just want to spread the word about NILMDTS. There are thousands of volunteer photographers across the country, and now in other countries, who provide these services. I wish no one ever had need of this, but if they do, this should be something they know about, so please spread the word. And if you are a photographer, please consider volunteering your services as well. Feel free to contact me with questions.
