On Angels’ Wings

It was just a few weeks ago when I was given the opportunity to join an organization called “On Angels Wings”.  This organization provides free professional photographs and support for families whose child has a terminal risk diagnosis from maternity to 18 years of age.  They may be facing tragic diagnoses such as “cancer, genetic disorders, heart conditions, extended NICU stays and risk of loss at birth.”  

My first session presented itself on October 6th.  I got a message from Michelle, the founder and president of the organization, about a family in need of a session.  I packed my camera gear and headed to the hospital.  On the way there, all kinds of thoughts ran through my head.  As a mom of 3 children, I can only imagine the torture and pain this family was experiencing at this time.  I got to the hospital within 20 minutes and headed to the nurses station where I asked for the room number I was provided.  I introduced myself to the nurse assigned to the room and I asked her for a brief history of the events that occurred that led this family to this point in time.  She then walked me into the room and I met Katee and Natalie.  Two mama birds watching over their precious little baby boy born on October 4th.  Unfortunately, he experienced an extremely difficult birth that his fragile body couldn’t handle.  

Here are some images from this session I would like to share with you.  I have immense love and gratitude to Katee and Natalie for allowing me to be part of one of the most soul crushing moment in any parents’ life.  I think about them often and know that images are so much more than a click of a shutter.  Sometimes they are the only thing that we can hold onto while the person in the photograph is long gone.  

You can find more information about this organization at www.oawphoto.org