This is a post that comes with mixed emotions and after you read it I’m sure you will understand why. I was recently very moved by an organization called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. I applied as a volunteer and was recently approved.
“The organization began after a little boy named Maddux was born and diagnosed with a condition that prevented him from breathing, swallowing and moving on his own. On the 6th day of his life his parents had to make the excruciating decision to take him off life support but before they did they called Colorado based protographer Sandy Puc and asked her to come and photograph them cradling their son. She photographed the couple with Maddux at the hospital before he was removed from life support and after-when he was free from the tubes and the wires that sustained him.
“That night was the worst night of my life but when I look at the images that’s not what I’m reminded of. I’m reminded of the beauty and the blessing he brought.” Cheryl Haggard ( Maddux’s mom) said.
Those tender photographs documenting Maddux’s eternal connection with his parents inspired Cheryl Haggard and Sandy Puc to found a non profit organization that has provided thousands of families of babies who are stillborn or who are at risk of dying as newborns with free professional portraits with their baby.”
Although I pray that no parent ever has to go through this, I am sober in the recognition that if I am ever needed to photograph this heartbreaking experience, I know that I can be a blessing to the family and in that I take comfort.
If you would like to know more about this organization including how you can make a tax deductible donation, please visit www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org
