I’ve said for over a year now that I feel a strong pull to volunteer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, and organization of photographers who volunteer to be on call for families in need who are experiencing the loss of a child. I’ve always talked though about how hard it would be to do it — just thinking about it makes me cry.
After watching the video clip of what they showed on the Today Show this morning (props to Robyn for pointing it out in one of the forums that we are on), I realized that my excuses and my fear of the pain were nothing compared to the pain that families go through when they are experiencing this, and if I was in their shoes I would probably give anything for photographs of those precious moments with my child.
So I did it. No more excuses. I signed up, and am now waiting on approval from the group to formally be a member. I should know within the week. And while I hope a call never comes, I will be there, ready and willing, if it does.
I almost didn’t write about it here, but realized that I must. I want to get the word out about this wonderful organization and what they are doing to help people.
If you’re a photographer, I encourage you to volunteer. I applaud you if you do so already.
If you or someone you know is ever in need of a photographer to capture the precious moments with your child, please be sure to contact the group. As they said at the end of the video, many parents don’t think of it at the time, but no parents have ever said they wished they hadn’t done it.
15 replies on “It Is Time…”
I’d never heard of that foundation. Now I’m crying. Even if I had the photography skills, I don’t think I could cope with the heartbreak of such a project. I think what you’ve decided to do is brave and wonderful.
How totally cool!! BTW, you can totallycatch back up on the “do the math” shawl. I haven’t worked on mine all week. I did finish my “2 socks on circs” and made 2 cotton washcloths (I needed instant gratification-they take like an hour to make). Oh!! I dislocated my foot Sunday night and have been laid up with a big swollen and bruised foot. Work called today to ask if I could come in. Really? AYFKM??? I can barely go pee!! Left foot though so I can still drive.:P
“I swear to God Sophie, I’da helped ya!”
Okay, I just realized your pics and logo are gone. WTF??
The founder and first session was done here in Denver – I’m waiting till I feel more confident in my photography and then I will sign up too.
What an incredible thing to do. I’d never heard of it before, but really – of course a beautiful, gentle photograph would give such comfort. What an incredible thing to volunteer for.
Wow Christine – what a wonderful and amazing thing to do. I saw the video at the workshop we recently attended and was moved as well but don’t have the strength like you do. At least not at this time. I commend you and continued to be honored to work with you at your side!
Wow…this is amazing for you to do Christine. When I went to their site and read I started crying and thought to myself, this is something I could never do. Then I came back and finsihed reading your post where you thought the same thing, but compared to what the families felt that pain was nothing. You’re very right. And you’re so strong for doing this b/c I still think I wouldn’t be able to handle it.
What an amazing organization – I had never heard of it before. You’ll be a great photographer for those families.
What a wonderful organization…Bless you for being a volunteer..
Wow, yeah that’s powerful.
i congratulate you for having the guts to do this… i would be a mess, but i’m glad to know that you are someone we can count on in a time of need.
If you would like a photographer’s assistant, I would love to accompany you.
Hey Christine, bless you for volunteering your time and talents for this heartbreaking, but intensely appreciated service.
My sister helped found a perinatal hospice program at a clinic and hospital and she did quite a lot of photography for the families. It means immeasurably much to the families when you spend time with them and their child.
Congrats on WPJA!
Christine, what an awesome organization, and how awesome that you have stepped up. I know it’s heart-breaking to even think of it, but I do think that if/when the time comes, your heart will be so filled with compassion for the family that you’ll be be able to do what they so badly need you to do for them.
THANK YOU for doing this! As a parent who *has* lost a baby, I know how important this is. So many people are left with only a single, lousy Polaroid of their child. We were lucky enough that our son lived for almost three weeks, so we had a number of pictures, but many people don’t get that. What you’re doing is VERY important. NOW, if we could just get the NICU nurses & social workers to TELL parents about this stuff before their child dies, while there’s still time, not two weeks later….
how great of you. I know it will be hard but will be such a wonderful gift to give those parents.