Born prematurely at only 20 weeks’ gestation, this little boy was such a trooper that he fought to live for two full hours. His perfect little soul then left his body. He went from his mother’s arms to the Father’s.
A Fargo photographer, Sandra Rodgers, came to the hospital and asked if she might take some photos of the family—photos that would be for them a forever memory, a beautiful reminder of a beautiful life.
Rodgers is one of many photographers nationwide who offer their talent free of charge as part of the nonprofit organization Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS). According to their website, “the idea of photographing one’s baby may not immediately occur to [families overcome by grief and pain]. Offering gentle and beautiful photography and videography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization.”
What a pure and selfless service these photographers provide to a grieving family! May God richly bless them in their ministry.
d. April 12, 2007
Simply beautiful.
Very moving.
Thank you for sharing all of these amazing people with us, from the beautiful family pictured to the photographer who took them.
This is truly a beautiful and loving tribute.
Thank you for sharing these — they are beautiful.
I am actually a member of NILMDTS, but we have not exactly worked out all of the details with our local hospital yet, though we have just about finished up the logistics. What a blessing that someone who is a member was able to come and capture these memories to have.
She will treasure those pictures forever. Thanks for sharing them with us!
Breathtaking…
I’m in awe.
Thank you for sharing these. My heart is just breaking, but I’m so glad she has the pictures to treasure forever.
Thank you for sharing these. The link to NILMDTS is broken, though-I think it needs a .org at the end.
jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer! I’ve fixed the link.
These are so beautiful. Tell your niece “thank you” for letting you share them with us.
Those are beautiful photographs, but the smallness of that baby brings tears to my eyes. And makes me want to hold the one sleeping in the next room.
Oh, Margaret, these are just beautiful. Heartbreakingly but gloriously beautiful.
Thank you to you and to Jackie for sharing the images of a beautiful precious life that was drawn straight to God. May God bless your dear niece, Jackie in great abundance.
God bless,
Donna
I am still crying from these beautiful pictures. Thank you so much for sharing. Please thank your niece for sharing and let her know she will be in our prayers. What a wonderful service.
Thank you, Jackie, for sharing these beautiful pictures of your precious baby.
And God bless the members of NILMDTS…what a thoughtful thing to do for a grieving family.
This post has been on my mind all day. I have a dear friend who lost two boys at 20 weeks. I remember her grief.
A moving tribute. Thank you for sharing.
The tears are rolling down my cheeks. Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos. The family is in my prayers.
Beautiful. Heartbreaking.
How heartrending for the family. My prayers are with them. I’m sure the pictures will be a comfort.
Beautiful and so sad.
I’ve never been so touched by something so sorrowfully beautiful. Tell your niece thank you for allowing you to share these pictures and may God give her peace.
OH MY … so very touching. I am sorry for your niece’s loss. At the same time, those photos will always be with her.
May GOD bless her and her little angel.
Thank you for posting those. I also shared these pictures at work because we also utilize the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep photographers, and everyone agreed: little Edison was beautiful. It’s like I told Jackie: “If you ever had any doubts, you don’t need to worry any more. You are an amazing mother already…and you will be again.” Know also that little Edison was buried where Kellee is buried…bittersweet because we know she was waiting for him with open arms. And as my mother said at the burial service, “Now we have 2 angels watching over us.”
Love you Margie.
~Trish
Margaret, those are beautiful. Thank you for the tribute and for sharing this on your blog.
He is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing these.
Thank you for sharing such an moment… I looked at the pictures the first time and then the second time it hit me and tears could not be stopped.
Ebeth
Just read about these fine folk in Faith and Family. What a deep blessing and a very touching gift to families. I understand they do infant photography for others as well as a means of funding their charitable activities. Please know that Jackie and husband and entire family remain in our prayers and thoughts.
I want to say, from one premature mother to another, these are georgous pictures. My husband and I took pictures of our son when he was born at 23 weeks gestation and all of our family and friends looked down on us for it. We still have the photos and are very proud of our little Conner. We know that he is looking down on us and has placed the child that is now in my womb there.
Thank you so much for posting these pics. They are absolutly beautiful!
So moving I can’t stop crying. Incredible donation of time and love to use their photography talents this way. God Bless them.