“One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.” ~Sigmund Freud
This past week I spent a bit of time with Lindsey & Kevin as I joined them to help celebrate the 35th week of her pregnancy with their little girl Sophie. I volunteered a bit of my time alongside fellow Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep photographer, Scott Taylor, to help this sweet couple hold onto some precious memories as they await the arrival of their baby girl due next month. I learned of their story a few months ago shortly after they learned their baby girl Sophie was diagnosed with anencephaly. Most babies born with this birth defect pass away during child birth or shortly after. I am so amazed by the faith and strength of Lindsey and Kevin. There’s no doubt their family is surrounded by so many who truly love them both and their baby girl Sophie. Though it’s incredibly sad to know the loss they are expected to endure, it is so inspiring to see them find ways to continue to celebrate their baby girl’s life while she’s still growing within her mother.
Yes, time really does have a wonderful way of showing us what really matters. I suppose I never thought of the “good” that would come of that miscarriage I experienced back in 2009. Looking back it’s what has helped me find the strength to step forward and give more to those who need me most. Now I don’t question it…I know I am needed and capable. Most of the work I’ve done for families with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep has been among some of the most moving and touching work I’ve done in my life. Very few photographers find the strength that’s needed to volunteer as a photographer for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. I admit it took me more than a year of considering it before I volunteered, and it was through those experiences that I knew I was not only strong enough…but that these families need photographers like me to help preserve their only memories with their precious little ones. There are so many talented photographers out there…perhaps if they knew just how needed and valued they were they might step up to help families. It’s a totally voluntary service, but I have to admit my heart feels so much richer because of this time I spend volunteering knowing how valuable this work is to the families who suffer the loss of a baby. Currently in Central Florida we only have a few photographers volunteering their time. This means some families go without this special service, especially when we learn of the loss at the last minute. Thankfully Lindsey and Kevin had the courage to contact us early and our group of Now I Lay me Down to Sleep photographers have teamed to be sure we’ll do everything possible to be there to support their sweet family in capturing moments with their baby girl next month…something I feel incredibly special to know I’ve been a part of.
Lindsey & Kevin my prayers go out to you both. I know this journey you’ve been on has not been easy, but continue to trust and maintain your faith – you both are remarkably inspiring to me and I sure feel blessed to spend a bit of time with you both. I hope these memories help you both and all of your family and friends continue to celebrate Sophie’s life…my heart has definitely been touched because of her.
by Amanda Kern
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