Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.

About a year ago, I was perusing one of the online forums that I belong to full of other photographers, and I noticed a woman who mentioned being a member of an organization called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. Curious as to what this was, I googled it.

The first thing I saw was the organization's mission statement:

To introduce remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby with the free 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.

This entire concept struck a chord inside of me, although to this day, I really am not sure why. Having been blessed with a beautiful, healthy baby boy in September of 2007, I could in no way relate to the loss or suffering that these families were experiencing. What I could do, however, was give myself to this organization with the hope of being able to help at least one of these families in this grieving process.

So I applied, and 6 weeks later I was accepted.

Being a member of this organization is in no way glamorous. When people ask me about it, they walk away from the conversation, I am convinced, thinking that I am some crazy, morbid person. I mean, I willingly dedicate myself to different times each month in which I use my camera to photograph children who have passed away?

To which my response is, "Absolutely." Because if people like myself, and those who volunteer as well, weren't around for this, how else would these families be able to capture beautiful memories of their darling children?

The joy of being a parent is extraordinary - even if that joy is fleeting. Don't these parents deserve the same chance to look upon that joy and remember it for what it is - and what it was - through moments captured on film?

I believe that they do, which is why I whole-heartedly believe in this organization.

If you are a photographer in the Grand Rapids, MI, area, I encourage you to attend our informational meeting on April 18. If only to listen to some testimonials and think about the potential - that's all I ask.

If you are a photographer in another area of the country, I encourage you to contact the organization through their Web site, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep,  to see if they have meetings in your area or if there is even a chapter of photographers established where you are. So many parents miss out on this gift because there simply aren't any photographers in the area who have given themselves to this cause.

If you have any questions regarding the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep foundation, or the meeting in the Grand Rapids area in April, please feel free to contact me at catherinejeter@mac.com.

There is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world.

P.S. - If you are interested in viewing a slide show by local NILMDTS photographer, Lisa Ruff, click here.