A beautiful remembrance

Heartbreak.

Feelings of excitement and anticipation of building their family was suddenly turned upside down. I saw the grief in their eyes before the words even came past their lips.”We’ll name her Ella,” they said. “We’ll see her in heaven.”A chromosomal abnormality had stolen their child before they had the opportunity to experience the blessings of a full and healthy life with her.

I never forgot those moments. I will always remember seeing their faces when they arrived home without their baby. The empty feeling and heavy hearts that they still carry for her. We cried over her ashes, and the few physical representations they have of her – tiny, tiny fingerprints and footprints, each with an extra digit. Framed, admired, and never forgotten.

The power of love and strength has carried them through the years since, although now their hearts are forever changed with Ella’s memory. Bursting with activity, their home overflows with the young voices of two beautiful earthly angels – who know their sister only by name, until they meet again in heaven.

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I have to say, writing this post isn’t easy. My heart aches for the families who suffer such devastating loss instead of anticipation. There aren’t words to describe their heartbreak, yet their story and their child’s legacy is one to be cherished and preserved. No matter how short their time on earth is. I’ve cried, dreamed, and spent quiet time waiting for the right words to surface in order to share with you how powerful my feelings are for this organization. And while I may stumble over the words, the message is clear :: God’s gift of life is so fragile. We forget that sometimes. In the busy-ness of creating our earthly life, in planning weekend events or wondering where to go for vacation; we forget that every moment, every breath, is a gift. That gift is never taken for granted in the hearts and minds of families who have sent one of their own to sing with the heavenly angels; especially when their child may have had only a short chance to experience life.

There are so many families who experience the sorrow and heartbreak of losing a child too soon. And during this time, it may be impossible to know what may help them heal their heart. At a time when words are not enough, there are images. Beautiful, sensitive images that can help ease the pain. While my words can’t help heal them, the images I can share may offer these broken hearts a way to mend.

A network of over 7,000 volunteer photographers have joined together as part of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, offering families the ability to remember their child through sensitive and compassionate photography. At the family’s request, a private portrait session with the family captures gentle moments with their angel, and gives them the grace and healing that they’ll always be able to hold in their heart.

I’m so proud, humbled, and honored to have joined this organization. It’s a privilege to help a family heal and treasure their angel on earth, while Ella is smiling and dancing with her new friend in heaven.