04.06.2007 | News | 8 comments
Recently, we really have tried to use our small talents to help out great causes and charities. One of the things we have done is donate our time and efforts to “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.” What a great thing this is!!! We really hope we are allowed to be a part of many families lives.
According to their website, here is a description of what service they provide:
“…Pregnancy and Birth is a miraculous journey. This amazing time of life is full of mystery, anticipation, joy, hope, and wonder. Feeling the powerful energy of birth and new life, watching as a new family is born unto each other. These things humble and amaze. These are the things that we celebrate when a baby is born
But there is another aspect of pregnancy and birth. There is an unexpected place in this journey where some families may find themselves. When a baby dies, a world is turned upside down. There is confusion, sadness, fear, and uncertainty that cannot be explained. There is sorrow where there should have been joy. During this time, it might be impossible for families to know what they might need in order to heal in the future.
This is the place where NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP gently provides a helping hand and a healing heart. NOW offers a vital service to our community. For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography and videography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives…” (www.NowILayMeDownToSleep.com front page information)
I wanted to bring this small blog post up since this has already affected my personal family and my parents. There honestly isn’t a month that goes by that I don’t think about how great my parents are and how they have always been able to deal with these two tragedies in their lives. Well, over 25 and 28 years ago. Thanks Mom and Dad for showing me such courage!
I shot my first experience on Sunday, April 1st, 2007. It was one of the most life changing moments of my life. It brought a ton into perspective. I love when these moments really bring me to see how precious everyday really is…
I want to thank my Mom for allowing me to call her right after the session. It was so good to be able to talk to someone! Thanks Mom!
04.06.07 | News
Anonymous: I always knew that you were put on this earth for a special purpose Matt, I just thought it was so I could have someone to love. But now I see you are still fulfilling your special purpose in life by touching the lives of the people you photograph. Now this new endevour will take you even closer to becoming what you were placed here to do. It takes a very special emotional person to do this--and you are just that. I'm so proud to be your Mom. You are my miracle. Forever Yours (06/04/07, 06:59)
Anonymous: I always knew that you were put on this earth for a special purpose Matt, I just thought it was so I could have someone to love. But now I see you are still fulfilling your special purpose in life by touching the lives of the people you photograph. Now this new endevour will take you even closer to becoming what you were placed here to do. It takes a very special emotional person to do this--and you are just that. I'm so proud to be your Mom. You are my miracle. Forever Yours (06/04/07, 06:59)
Anonymous: Good on ya, Sloans! Having two daughters myself....one of which spent 7 days in the NICU, all starting at only 9 days old....I know what those days are like spent in a hospital. I was able to write in a journal about the experience and it affects me now reading it the same as it did when I wrote it. It does take courage and strength to do a photo shoot like that....but the rewards are so great! Thanks for blogging about it and bringing "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep" to our attention. (06/04/07, 10:41)
Anonymous: Good on ya, Sloans! Having two daughters myself....one of which spent 7 days in the NICU, all starting at only 9 days old....I know what those days are like spent in a hospital. I was able to write in a journal about the experience and it affects me now reading it the same as it did when I wrote it. It does take courage and strength to do a photo shoot like that....but the rewards are so great! Thanks for blogging about it and bringing "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep" to our attention. (06/04/07, 10:41)
Anonymous: Matt and Angie, Seriously, this was a hard post for a pregnant woman to read...I just sat there with tears rolling down my face as I looked through their site. I am super proud that you guys are using your talents wisely...I don't think I could be strong enough to do it, best of luck with this...may it bring you so many blessings! (06/04/07, 04:48)
Anonymous: Matt and Angie, Seriously, this was a hard post for a pregnant woman to read...I just sat there with tears rolling down my face as I looked through their site. I am super proud that you guys are using your talents wisely...I don't think I could be strong enough to do it, best of luck with this...may it bring you so many blessings! (06/04/07, 04:48)
Anonymous: I really appreciate all of the comments! Angie has decided to not contribute to the charity because it really is a fragile time for her being a "new" mom. But, it was really was a challenge for me! But it made such an impact on me and my life. I really do admit I am a very emotional person and when these times happen, it's really hard on me. But it is important to the families. I still have a photo of me being 1-2 yrs. old and holding my little brother, Mitchell, who lived for less than a couple of days. I can still remember that photo. I also know that it still has an affect on my parents. I sure hope to get stronger and can help those in need. I really appreciate everyone's blessings! Love You Mosty Mosty Mostest Mom!!! Matty (06/04/07, 10:26)
Anonymous: I really appreciate all of the comments! Angie has decided to not contribute to the charity because it really is a fragile time for her being a "new" mom. But, it was really was a challenge for me! But it made such an impact on me and my life. I really do admit I am a very emotional person and when these times happen, it's really hard on me. But it is important to the families. I still have a photo of me being 1-2 yrs. old and holding my little brother, Mitchell, who lived for less than a couple of days. I can still remember that photo. I also know that it still has an affect on my parents. I sure hope to get stronger and can help those in need. I really appreciate everyone's blessings! Love You Mosty Mosty Mostest Mom!!! Matty (06/04/07, 10:26)