Cheryl Haggard
09-09-2008, 12:01 PM
Dear Parents,
I wanted to send out a little update and reminder:
I just want to welcome you all again to our 'Forum.' It has been said over and over again, that this is a 'club' you don't want to belong to, but yet our numbers keep growing. All of us here welcome you with open arms. We are all here for your support. For your journey through grief. Some of us have been here from the beginning, and some of us are very new to this 'club.'
If you are a newly bereaved parent you still might have some questions as to your photographer and when you can expect the images of your baby. First, let me remind you that ALL NILMDTS PHOTOGRAPHERS are VOLUNTEERS. They donate their time and their talents to you, at no cost. They are not compensated for this gift to you. Time is taken away from their family, their businesses, their previous commitments so that they may provide you with healing images of your child. Some photographers have experienced the loss of a child, some have not, but all know how important these images are to you and your family. NILMDTS Guidelines for photograph turnaround is 4-6 weeks. PLEASE allow them this time to get the completed images to you.
I completely understand wanting to see the images of your child as soon as possible. I have been there. I understand this need. I also understand seeing these beautiful images for the first time. The saddness, the joy, and yes, the pride. I told my photographer, Sandy Puc', my cofounder of NILMDTS, that she had 'given me my son.' Those words still ring true today.
What can you do in the meantime, until you receive your images?
Get involved with this forum! [We have heard so many stories from parents that 'read' through the forum, but never found the strength to 'post.'] Start typing away. Let it out.
Look on our website at www.nilmdts.org (http://www.nilmdts.org) to see if there is a parent coordinator in your area. Contact them by phone for support. They are here for you!
Seek outside support groups, such as the M.I.S.S. Foundation.
Seek out those people who will listen to you, as you share your child.
Start a journal to your baby. Write in it at least once a day.
Start a scrapbook for you baby.
Relax, do yoga, take time for yourself everyday.
Plant a memorial garden.These are just a few ideas. There are many more.
I am so sorry that you have experienced the death of a child. My heart continues to weep for each and every one of us. Together, through love, patience and support, we will find our way to the top of the 'pit.'
With Healing, Hope and the Honor of our babies,
Cheryl Haggard
Co Founder NILMDTS
I wanted to send out a little update and reminder:
I just want to welcome you all again to our 'Forum.' It has been said over and over again, that this is a 'club' you don't want to belong to, but yet our numbers keep growing. All of us here welcome you with open arms. We are all here for your support. For your journey through grief. Some of us have been here from the beginning, and some of us are very new to this 'club.'
If you are a newly bereaved parent you still might have some questions as to your photographer and when you can expect the images of your baby. First, let me remind you that ALL NILMDTS PHOTOGRAPHERS are VOLUNTEERS. They donate their time and their talents to you, at no cost. They are not compensated for this gift to you. Time is taken away from their family, their businesses, their previous commitments so that they may provide you with healing images of your child. Some photographers have experienced the loss of a child, some have not, but all know how important these images are to you and your family. NILMDTS Guidelines for photograph turnaround is 4-6 weeks. PLEASE allow them this time to get the completed images to you.
I completely understand wanting to see the images of your child as soon as possible. I have been there. I understand this need. I also understand seeing these beautiful images for the first time. The saddness, the joy, and yes, the pride. I told my photographer, Sandy Puc', my cofounder of NILMDTS, that she had 'given me my son.' Those words still ring true today.
What can you do in the meantime, until you receive your images?
Get involved with this forum! [We have heard so many stories from parents that 'read' through the forum, but never found the strength to 'post.'] Start typing away. Let it out.
Look on our website at www.nilmdts.org (http://www.nilmdts.org) to see if there is a parent coordinator in your area. Contact them by phone for support. They are here for you!
Seek outside support groups, such as the M.I.S.S. Foundation.
Seek out those people who will listen to you, as you share your child.
Start a journal to your baby. Write in it at least once a day.
Start a scrapbook for you baby.
Relax, do yoga, take time for yourself everyday.
Plant a memorial garden.These are just a few ideas. There are many more.
I am so sorry that you have experienced the death of a child. My heart continues to weep for each and every one of us. Together, through love, patience and support, we will find our way to the top of the 'pit.'
With Healing, Hope and the Honor of our babies,
Cheryl Haggard
Co Founder NILMDTS