Gracie Lynn

Once upon a time, there was this mother and father. One day they decided they would love to add another member to their big family. This would be their last child. Even tho they already had 7 between them,  they're live's just wouldn't be complete with out one more little one to fill this family's home. Problem was, Mother needed surgery to make this happen. 

Mother had surgery, and they conceived.

Oh what a happy day when they found out they were going to have a baby! Time went by and everything appeared to be going well! Finally the day came for the ultra sound and Mother and Father decided to take the whole family for this event! They were excited to watch this little miracle play around in it's safe warm little world, the womb. The kids were excited to see this miracle as well! 

During the ultra sound it was evident that something was not right. They learned that the baby had anencephaly. Baby sister, later named Gracie Lynn was not going to survive. The outcome was devastating for this family. They made the decision to carry their baby to term, against the Dr.'s advice to abort this baby girl. They found a new Dr. who would support their decision to carry baby Gracie to term. 

Yes, Gracie Lynn entered the world and left her mark on her siblings lives, her parents lives and grandparents as well. As some of you may be familiar with this story and know that  I'am one of her grandparents. I was there when she came into this world. I watched the world change instantly the moment she was born. She was loved fiercely by her parents. Her siblings. Her grandparents.

Gracie Lynn stepped into heaven 30 minutes later. 

I know this is heavy. I don't mean to cause deep sadness for you. I'm sharing because, in spite of the sadness, Gracie changed lives in her short appearance.  But also, sometimes when this happens, the parents leave the hospital empty handed. It's as if the whole experience was a dream and they have nothing tangible that show they actually gave birth, except for the physical scars. They leave not only empty handed, but with empty hurting hearts.

​The pictures that my family have, that I personally took for them, is something tangible for them to reflect on. But most importantly, it helped them to heal. It proves that they had a beautiful baby. She was really here, if even for a short time. She was a member of this family.

 It may seem odd or morbid  for someone to take pictures of a child that has passed. But as you can see from these pictures, it's not morbid at all. But for the family, they get to take home a little something that they just lost. Something tangible. They're  newborn baby. 

So here is the second part of why I have written this blog. It is to announce that I'm a proud member of NILMDTS (Now I lay Me Down To Sleep) . It is an organization that is available to parents who have just learned that their child will not make it in this world. This is not in anyway shape or form an avenue for my photography. This is a Non-Profit Organization and is FREE to the parents. The photographers with NILMDTS are all volunteers with a passion to help the grieving parents in their healing process and providing them with respectful professional photos of their precious baby. One's they can remember by. Watch this  short video as it visually shows what NILMDTS does for families. NILMDTS is made up of volunteers that give their time to give to these hurting families. Also, please go to  NILMDTS website and learn more about what we do. Please share this blog so others can be aware. Maybe you know someone who might desire these services. Pass this along. Thank you for taking the time to read and help spread the word about NILMDTS! This is by no means  for every family. But is available for those who do want this service. Thank you for taking the time to read!