Monday, March 3, 2008

Pocket Angel


I had another opportunity over the weekend to do a shoot for NILMDTS. It was very difficult. This one was an 8-month-old baby who died unexpectedly. It was difficult to witness what that family was going through. At the children's hospital here, the parents receive a memory box when a child dies. One thing included in it is a pocket angel. It is about the size of a quarter and it comes with a card that says something about how the parents can now carry this angel in their pocket to remind them of their little angel. The social worker at the hospital suggested to the mom that she might want to have a picture of the pocket angel in the baby's hand. That is my post today.


Editing these shots, as well as the ones from Wednesday night, has been very difficult. I find I have to take breaks here and there. It is difficult to do in long stretches. I'm spending a lot of time on each shot. I want them to be as perfect as possible for these families.


Again, I just have to say I feel privleged to be in the presence of these angels.

22 comments:

pat said...

Oh Meg--this is an incredibly touching photo, and then to read the story behind it! I admire you and your work with this organization; it is really a incredible gift and service for the parents. I can imagine how emotionally draining it must be for you, but you have such a tender perception, and it shows in your photos.

Anonymous said...

Wow your thoughtfulness or care really shows in your photo. Its so gentle. Honestly I am sorry for the parents you had another opportunity this weekend, but glad you were there for them. I will keep you in my prayers while you deal with this. Just know it takes a very very special person to do this. When my ds was in the icu and the baby in the next room died his mother screamed out a cry I still have nightmares over. So stay strong the families need more people like you.

Shanna Jones said...

Such a precious photo!

Shanna Jones said...

Had to go back and read the story...Just breaks my heart! You're an amazing person to be doing this for these families. I don't know if I could do it...

Kristina said...

Oh, wow. You are doing a great job. Both of the photos I've seen are so tender. I bet you are drained! I think you're wonderful for what you're doing!

Jason said...

WOW That is a great photo. I could not imagine how hard that would be for the parents and you... Those parents are going to have some great shots for memories. Nice work.

Val said...

This shot is so heartbreaking, but beautifully done. So glad you were able to capture this for that poor family,

Danielle said...

Margaret I think it's wonderful what you are doing. It makes me cry to think of losing my beautiful girl. So wonderful you can preserve some precious memories for those families. That picture is just beautiful. Thank you for sharing and reminding us how precious life can be.

Becky said...

Oh, so heartbreaking! Just devastating. That poor family. I would imagine that NILMDTS needs a lot of volunteer photographers, because I would think it would just be too hard to do frequent shoots. Hugs to you and all the NILMDTS families.

Shawna said...

Wow what a tremendous job you are doing! It must be so incredibly hard... I cannot even fathom what these families are going through. It's so hard to even wrap my head around. Good for you for being so strong!

Mandy said...

Meg...your post gave be chills an d your photo is beautiful. I am sure the parents will really cherish it.

April said...

oh my word..that is such a great capture. it gives me the chills. you are such an amazing person to be able to go do this for people. i'm sure they will cherish these pictures for the rest of their lives.

Amy said...

Meg, I think it will be a long time before I lose this picture in my mind. What an amazingly special photo. You are a very special person to do this for these families.

Amy said...

What an amazingly beautiful photo. This makes me cry, I can't even imagine... What a wonderful thing you're doing for these families. That babies hand looks so perfect, it's so difficult to fathom what could have gone wrong.

Mom2Drew said...

Wow...that is truly a treasure.

Krystle said...

Oh I can't even find words. What a beautifully touching shot.

pakosta said...

how touching. i don't know what to say, except hats off to you for taking those precious photos for them!
tara

Bobbi said...

Wow, they will surely treaure this picture. I am in tears right now. You humble me to be able to do such a thing

Jodi said...

Oh that is just heartbreaking.

bprincephoto said...

So touching. They will treasure this photo.

Suzy said...

Sooo beautiful! WOW!!

Kate said...

Margaret--
I didn't know that you were doing shoots for NILMDTS! What a wonderful way to use your talent. Your pictures are so beautiful and touching, I couldn't stop crying when I saw this one!
Kate