Rudy

[SonjaMY]

Rudy is the first Angel I've met, I photographed him last night.

His DOB: March 26th 2008, as of today the 27th, he is still alive and not expected to make it.

Was born at 34 weeks, the nurse told me he was born with something "not compatible with life." He is a beautiful boy!

[KEA's Mom]

That precious little boy. I said a prayer for him and his family. You did a wonderful thing!!

[Rayna']

what a sweet baby!

[Christine Barrack]

Sonja,
What a cute little guy. I will keep him in my prayers as well as the family.
How are you holding up?

[SonjaMY]

I'm holding up well, thanks for asking. I prayed before I left the house that I'd be composed and professional. I expected that I might cry afterwards, but I didn't. For me, it was extremely spiritual - almost overwhelming. I've never felt anything like this before. I do remember a person once telling me that babies and children who die young are special spirits who don't need to experience the trials of life on Earth so God brings them home early. That just feels right to me and it brought me comfort. I wish I had shared that with the family, but I was a little nervous because it was my first time and wasn't sure how they'd take that. I was thinking of writing that in a sympathy card when I send out the CD of images.

[Amy Joy]

Sonja, I bet you did great! I am a doula and its funny, in this months issue of International Doula, there is a great article called "Grief and Loss-A Mothers Wisdom. It gives a list of Do's & Dont's for family, friends and professionals.
It's a list of what and what not to say. I found it helpful. If you would like, I can scan it into my computer and email it to you.
Amy

[Marcus Momma]

Even if you did cry it would show you are compassionate. My photographer and her mother were both very teary eyed which showed me that my baby was special to people that didn't even know him until that moment. This baby is so precious. I am sure that the parents will be very thankful of your help. It makes a big difference with the healing process with beautiful pictures of their child that means so much too them. You are doing such a wonderful thing for this family. I am going to be praying for this babies family.

[motherofthree]

I agree with Shawnna. My photographer got teary-eyed, too and it made me feel that Kavya had touched her in a special way. It might not seem professional, but it is human and touching, and I think that's even better.

I will pray for him and his family, as well as for you. I know that it has to have been an emotional experience for you - especially considering it was your first session. God bless you for doing this work.

Beth

[Lyssa Sauer]

I just want to say thank you for what you will never know you gave this family. I will keep the family in my prayers as there is mircles that happen everyday..... A hug for you from a grieving mother to a photographer who gave more then you will ever truly know!

[SonjaMY]

I just wanted to update you all, Rudy is still fighting. I think there are a lot of prayers going out for him, I know the family is hopeful. At one point, they flew Rudy out to the Seattle hospital, but he's back in the hometown hospital. There is nothing anyone can do for him, it's all up to Rudy and God.

[Christine Barrack]

Sonja,
Thank you for the updates. I really appreciate knowing how he is doing. We will continue our prayers and thoughts for him.

[Aurora]

Great Job!

[JD Richardson]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. What a precious, beautiful little fighter he is!!

Even though it would seem as professional to hold back the tears, in a case like this, it's just as professional to allow yourself to cry. Being a photographer is all about really connecting with people in that moment or through that experience. Either way, I think you did a wonderful job, and Rudy's parents will really appreciate you being there for them in their time of need. God bless you!


Love,

JD

[Kirk Kief]

I've been thinking about this statement quite a bit since I first read it:

It might not seem professional, but it is human and touching, and I think that's even better.
Beth
I realize this was not made by a photographer, however, if the photographers will allow me (if they don't-I'll edit their posts and misspell all of their words) I'm going to speak for the vast majority of the photographers on here. When we are shooting, and we get that perfect expression, or perfect image, we all tend to let out with a little 'Yelp' or a 'Yes!'. We show our emotion in that moment. When we are working with children, and they say/do that unexpected, funny phrase or gesture, we break out laughing. None of these expressions of our emotions are considered un-professional. So, during our sessions, where the emotions all around us are in despair, and we are creating our art. We get totally immersed in the moment, and we begin to shed tears, that is not, and should not be considered Un-Professional. You are merely showing your emotions, the same as when we laugh while working with children, or let out that little 'Yes' when we've captured that perfect moment! Crying is OK.

[JD Richardson]

Beautifully expressed, Kirk. Thank you.

[marylouise]

Thanks Kirk, you're the best.
Hugs

[Robyn Guy]

This is a lovely image and I know the parents will treasure it always.

[SonjaMY]

I was praying for a miracle for Rudy and his family, but the more I think about it, the more I realize I had an answer to my prayer. How many parents get 8 days with their baby when the doctor said he wouldn't survive the night? What a gift! Here is a tribute that the family put together on youtube, grab a tissue if you're watching.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l815SMwPOw&eurl=

[KEA's Mom]

God Bless you, Rudy and his family. What an incredible gift you've given them.

[Marcus Momma]

Oh that was so precious. Your right about the tissues I need some about right now.

[motherofthree]

Thank you for updating us and sharing this with us, I have often thought of him and how he was.

[Lyssa Sauer]

Thanks for updating us with angel Rudy I do hope his parents find strength and healing thru you work that you gave them.