How photographers help grieving parents
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is an organization which connects volunteer photographers to parents suffering the loss of a baby, giving the gift of professional portraiture.
“We believe these images serve as an important step in the family’s healing process
by honoring their child’s legacy.” NILMDTS
Founders of NILMDTS, Sandy Puc and Cheryl Haggard, met when Sandy photographed Cheryl with her son Maddux, 6 days old, at the hospital when he was removed from life support and passed away from a condition called myotubular myopathy.
On NILMDTS’s website, Cheryl said “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 blessings he brought.â€
Photo from nowilaymedowntosleep.org
The non-profit organization which was founded in April 2005, has since recruited 7,000 volunteer photographers spread out in 19 countries.
Photo from nowilaymedowntosleep.org
Parents can find NILMDTS volunteer photographers through their website, to locate one based near their location if they anticipate that they may be needing their services.
The name Now I lay Me Down to Sleep is from a classic children’s prayer from the 18th century.
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray for God my soul to keep;
Or if I die before I wake,
I pray for God my soul to take.Source: Wikipedia
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Category : Giving back
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Thank you so much for sharing this article. I’m wondering if our Malaysia’s society will accept this kind of volunteer service.
I came across this a few months ago and thought it’d be great to startup something similar in Malaysia. It’s good to be able to make use of what we know to give back to the society.
I saw this by accident in the States! It was fantastic. I am impressed how people can use their talent to contribute to the society!! very impressive!
Wish there was sth like this here in Hong KOng!
This is a great service. I’ve volunteered three times. It is not for the faint-hearted though. Seriously, not sure I can do this long term because each time is an emotional struggle. My advice? Don’t do this until you’ve already had kids.
@Asther @SE Teoh I was thinking the same thing!
@Maria Agreed, very impressive.
@Jenn I actually found this site on your blog under your Giving Back category. Love what you’re doing! Hope we can work out a feature on your efforts soon
Sze Ning: It’d be good to start this up together!
I’ve written to them & asked for guidance to set up something similar for Malaysia. Will forward you (Sze Ning) the details and let’s see if it’s feasible of a project to take on.
@SE Teoh Asther got a reply from NILMDTS. We can’t start an affiliate here but we can register to be a volunteer with the US-based organization and offer our services here.
Are you keen? I can’t commit in the next few months as I’ll be travelling quite a bit.
Sze Ning: I see. I can’t commit right away too cos am currently not in Malaysia yet. Thanks though for keeping me updated. Maybe when I’m back and when you are not traveling so much, we can work something out.