Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep is an international volunteer organization that I'm glad to be a part of.  The mission of the service is to introduce remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby with a free gift of professional portraiture.  The images serve as a healing process for families.  I first heard about them when I was watching an educational training that Sandy Puc was giving.  She is a co-founder of the community.  She told how she took a phone call from a father whose wife had seen her studio's newborn mages on the hospital walls.  She wanted to have those type of images of her baby.  Sandy told the man that she had an engagement that night, but they could probably schedule a session after the weekend.  It was then he disclosed that their baby wouldn't survive the night.  

How could she say "no"?  It was then that she realized she had to do this session for this family.  

Upon arrival at the hospital room, she saw baby Maddox had tubes and machines surrounding his newborn body.  His parents were so grieved knowing that his condition would not allow life once everything was removed.  They'd waited until Sandy was able to come to photograph him with them.  After several minutes and portraits, they removed the tubes and his mother held her baby for one of the last times while Sandy positioned them to capture those fleeting breaths.  No mother would ever wish this situation on anyone.  After the session, Sandy went home and though her daughter was sound asleep, she woke her and held her close.  

At the time I first heard the testimony, I cried and then I cried some more.  I thought, "What great people that have nerves of steel to be able to photograph those families through such a difficult time."  Two years later there was a call for volunteers that I couldn't turn away.  While I am extremely emotional, I had to get past that this service wasn't about me.  It was about helping others grieve.  It was about giving them something tangible to cherish when they were ready.  It was about serving others.  Jesus served others and I needed to do the same.

The mother of that first baby is Cheryl Haggard.  Cheryl is the other co-founder.  You see, after she went to Sandy's studio to view those portraits, she wanted to be able to let other families have the opportunity to have what she got.  A way to remember her loss.  

As a community volunteer, it is my responsibility to spread awareness of our services.  I'm available to speak about our non-profit to your group or to connect you with a photographer if you have the need.  Please don't hesitate to reach out.  We also offer services for continued support on our website:  

https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org

Should the need arise, there is a Find a Photographer tab at the top of the website.  There is no cost for this gift.  We're here for you.

Truly,

Zoe