Here is a beautiful blog post written by Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep affiliated photographer Lindsey Riley of Elle Riley Photography. Thank you Lindsey for the beautiful gift you have provided to this family. A NEW YEAR’S EVE I WILL NEVER FORGET You may or may not know, I volunteer for a wonderful organization called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. We provide the gift of professional portraiture remembrance photography to families who have suffered the tragic loss of an infant. I have never shared any of my experiences I have had with these families during the darkest moments of their lives, but after much thought and getting permission from the family I feel compelled to share this one as it has touched me in such a way I will never forget. This past New Years Eve I planned on being in Naples Florida on vacation with my family, but God had other plans. My son got sick with the flu and we were unable to go. As I snuggled in with my kids and busted out the cardboard party hats and nose makers to kick off 2015 I got the call, it was 11:30 pm. My heart always sinks a little when I get these calls, but somehow I always find the strength to go if I can. That night I was the only one available and a family who had suffered the tragic loss of their son was requesting NILMDTS to come out. At that moment I knew I was right where I was supposed to be. God kept me here for this family. When I made it to the hospital it was almost 12:00am. I walked into the room at 12:02am. There was no cheering or kissing to ring in the new year. Just quiet peaceful whispers and tears. My shutter always sounds much louder during these moments. After wiping my tears and saying my goodbyes I left that room at 12:30 knowing 2015 would be different. I now know I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing. I was born to be a photographer and volunteering to tell stories even if they don’t have perfect endings needs to be done. It helps these mothers to heal. I am helping people and that is what makes me happy. Please cherish the moments you have good or bad because you never know when you may not have the opportunity to do it again. I am so honored I was able to be with Jessica and Charlie to meet their son Greyson and take these photos for them. Please say a prayer for all these grieving families. If you are a photographer and would like to volunteer please visit the website we need more people. I pray I can find the strength to this for many more years as it is truly a great way to give back.~ Lindsey Riley
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 19:16:00 +0000