Stephanie & Ryan

This session with Stephanie and Ryan was an especially rewarding one. They have had a year with ups and downs. I have mentioned before that I love my job, and one of the reasons that I love it the most is because I get to build friendships and bonds with my clients that go far beyond photography. Stephanie and Ryan have given me special permission to talk about their experience over this past year. First, a few more pictures from their maternity session with baby Jayden!

Playing music for her...aren't they cute??!!

Nearly a year ago now, I met Stephanie and Ryan for the first time. I met them through Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, as they were saying hello and goodbye, to their sweet little baby Luka. Now little Jayden is on her way to their home! At a time where there is so much joy for them, we also wanted to take a moment to remember little Luka, as we await Jayden's welcome to the world.

We also wanted to take the opportunity to raise awareness about the NILMDTS program. As Stephanie and I have talked about their experience with Luka, she has mentioned to me that she didn't realize the number of families out there that have shared their experience in losing a child. The number of people that are touched by the loss of a child is larger that we know at the time. Then, throughout the years following the loss, it starts to surface; just how many people are praying for the families and thinking about them--even if they don't know them well. Many people have lost a child of their own and hold a special place in their hearts for the families.

My role in NILMDTS is to provide the families with portraits of their little angel. Sheila Nielsen, April Cullett and myself are the three local photographers who are involved in the NILMDTS program. As an organization, NILMDTS moves beyond photography by providing support forums and resources to help guide grieving families and friends.

We've all been faced with the questions of "what do I say?" and "what should I do?" The NILMDTS website has question and answer links, stories from families that have lost a baby, chat rooms for parents, chat rooms and forums for the extended families and friends, and much more.

On a local level, Mercy Medical Center has an amazing team of Nurses, Staff, and Volunteers who are deeply committed to helping the family members navigate through the pain and raw emotion in order to find healing. It is a process, and the MMC infant bereavement team along with hospice are a wonderfully dedicated and compassionate resource. I would encourage you all to take a moment and check out the NILMDTS website. If you can make a donation, please do. EVERYTHING is done on a volunteer basis and at NO COST to the families, so donations are always appreciated. If you want to contribute, but would prefer to do so on a local level, contact me and I can tell you ways that you can help. We are always in need of baby clothes that have to be hand made (due to the small sizes), teddy bears that are given to the parents so they don't go home with empty arms (although by no means a substitute for baby, it helps to have something to hold), special two-part heart pendants that go with baby and home with mom and dad, blankets, hats, booties, keepsake boxes, etc.

I want to take another quick minute to thank MY volunteers who are so generous with their time and their willingness to serve. My husband, Adam, who comes with me when I need him to hold the light, and who never complains when I get called out--day or night, or whether we have to put our own plans on hold to be able to go to the hospital. My friends who have been willing to step in and take care of my two girls so that I could run to the hospital. And my two on-call friends, Mary and Laura who are ALWAYS willing to drop everything and come with me, day or middle of the night. I am so grateful to all of you, because I wouldn't be able to provide this very special service without you.


Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

Baby Luka

2/13/08