NILMDTS
This is a post that comes with mixed emotions and after you read it I'm sure you will understand why. I was recently very moved by an organization called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. I applied as a volunteer and was recently approved.
"The organization began after a little boy named Maddux was born and diagnosed with a condition that prevented him from breathing, swallowing and moving on his own. On the 6th day of his life his parents had to make the excruciating decision to take him off life support but before they did they called Colorado based protographer Sandy Puc and asked her to come and photograph them cradling their son. She photographed the couple with Maddux at the hospital before he was removed from life support and after-when he was free from the tubes and the wires that sustained him.
"That night was the worst night of my life but when I look at the images that's not what I'm reminded of. I'm reminded of the beauty and the blessing he brought." Cheryl Haggard ( Maddux's mom) said.
Those tender photographs documenting Maddux's eternal connection with his parents inspired Cheryl Haggard and Sandy Puc to found a non profit organization that has provided thousands of families of babies who are stillborn or who are at risk of dying as newborns with free professional portraits with their baby."
Although I pray that no parent ever has to go through this, I am sober in the recognition that if I am ever needed to photograph this heartbreaking experience, I know that I can be a blessing to the family and in that I take comfort.
If you would like to know more about this organization including how you can make a tax deductible donation, please visit www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org
6 comments:
And as we finish a day in the rat race of life, I am reminded that there is so much good in this world. Thank heaven for people like you Shawna.
I don't know what to say. What an amazing, life-altering experience you're in for.
I've seen this before and couldn't think of a better person to do it. It is probably going to be one of the hardest and most incredible things you will ever do. God bless you, Shawna. You have such a big heart. :D Love you!
absolutely amazing!
Shawna, I am Ashley's friend and have admired your blog for a long time now. Both you and your sister have such amazing talents. I was very touched by this entry. I cannot imagine being in that position, saying goodbye to a child. I couldn't stop crying as I viewed the photos.
Thanks for all the support. I Know what you mean, Elliots, I can't imagine it either. I don't even want to. I will be contacting my local hospital and trying to be a speaker at the rotary club in my city to help bring awareness to this organization. I've heard lots of stories from parents that have been so grateful for this chance to have professional images made in such a critical time and situation.
I'm going to recruit Ashley in it when I come back next week.
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