My sweet Blitters know that I'm the Creative Director for a wonderful photography studio, and I have to say that most of what we do is to capture joy, laughter, giggles, and bliss. But there is the other side of sadness that causes me to take a breath today and remember that joy comes from different places. The studio 'gives back', that is to say that we proudly participate in the national non-profit organization Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. "This is the place where NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP gently provides a helping hand and a healing heart. NILMDTS offers a vital service to our community. For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives." While these Angel Sessions can be heartbreaking, my partner always walks away blessed by the love and compassion of these special families. The images and the stories behind them bless me as well as I see the photos and hear the families though them.
I know that I could personally not take these photos, I have such admiration for my partner! What she provides to those families with her gentle manner is beyond words. I do know that I am moved more with each session. Angel John-Luke was delivered at a little before 2 a.m. this morning, his parents knew months ago that he was not going to have the opportunities that other little boys have in this world. We have waited for him to come for several weeks and when the call came the photographer was ready. Unfortunately, this happens more frequently than most people know, in the hospital this morning were 2 other families sharing the same sorrow.
I'm sharing this for two reasons. First, please--- count your blessings and pass one on! Secondly, I know that I simply have to do something for these babies, these families and this wonderful program. I'm not sure how it will look at this point, but know that I am going to put something together. Until then my friends---- be saving your scraps of yarn, prepare your heart and hands to take part in an outreach and perhaps together we can all do something that really counts.
After all, love through our needles is what we do best! Right?
I have a new project on my needles but I think I'll wait to talk about it............... my focus is elsewhere today.
3 comments:
I love your blog. Your compassion in this post is palpable. I will stay tuned to see what project you come up with.
I love your humor in other posts. I really enjoy blogs where we get to see all sides of the blogger and you do that very well.
Thank you for your comment on my blog. That book is something. I am very glad I bought it and didn't get it from the library. It is a keeper!
Tina,
This post has been on my mind for the past few days as I packed up my classroom. You are doing a wonderful thing for those families; it is a blessing that what you do will provide some comfort for them in the future.
I found a resource that may help you think of an outreach: http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/charity-links.html#usa
There are groups that knit for grieving families. One of them is Afghans for Angels (http://www.angelfire.com/ia2/AforApage2/index.html)
Hope this helps.
When my sister lost her little Arielle Cynthia after only two days on earth, one of the ways my mom processed her grief was by making a tiny little dress and bonnet for her to wear to the grave, from a doll clothes pattern.
The nurses dressed her in it, put a little bear and rosary in her hands, and took her photo. They had to convince my sister to look at her one last time.
Of course, she is glad she did, and 12 years later, that is one of the few memories she has of our little angel.
Blessings to and your partner for your good work.
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