Front page article - Saskatoon Star Phoenix

[Krista]

My apologies for the delay in posting this thread as this article ran on the front page of The Star Phoenix on Sat Sept. 6th.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep . . ."

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/story.html?id=85030a9b-f7a1-4457-89dd-d2c13bc76e2b&k=15758

As I type this email, I am conflicted about this article. The content of this article is wonderful but I'm heartbroken by the editors choice/reason for not including Aedan's picture. Please don't get me wrong, I am so pleased to see NILMDTS on the front page of my local newspaper. NILMDTS does phenominal work for bereaved parents, and hopefully the positive exposure can help to recruit new photographers and introduce the public to this organization.

I am not sure why the article online doesn't show the two pictures; the front page was a picture of me looking at my beautiful pictures of Aedan (unfortunately you cannot see Aedan's pictures) and the second picture is of Cheryl craddling Maddux. Originally the story was to include a picture of Aedan and naturally I was upset to see the final result - no picture of Aedan. After making an inquiry with the Star Phoenix on the logic for omiting the picture of Aedan, I was given two reasons. The first reason was limited space, only able to run two pictures and they felt it was important to include a picture of the co-founder, and I don't disagree. The second reason was the content of Aedan's picture may have OFFENDED some readers, and they wanted to ensure the content of the story received the attention it deserved...so basically they protected their sensitive readers from my son's picture. I'm trying not to be an overly sensitive mommy, but needless to say I disgusted to hear someone even use the word offend when making reference to Aedan's pictures. My perception is by not including Aedan's picture they perpetuated the negative stigma attached to our babies pictures. Makes me wonder, did they even understand the story??

I'm sorry for ranting...thanks for listening.

[motherofthree]

I'm so sorry to hear that they didn't include Aedan's photo! I actually think it would have been better to include a photo of a baby that has passed or will pass; people that haven't seen the work cannot know how beautiful, how touching, and how "real" the pictures are. And Aedan is so beautiful! He deserved to have some of that spotlight, as the entire article focused so much on his story. I'm so sorry that they even entertained the thought that his sweet image could possible be offensive in any way!!! I absolutely agree that while doing an article to talk about the importance of NILMDTS and the impact they have on grieving families, they did perpetuate the idea that seeing a baby that is dying or has already passed in offensive.

I am glad that they at least ran an image of Maddux and Cheryl.

When I was in our city newspaper (Cincinnati Star), the photos and layouts of the paper version were amazingly done - beautiful layout and pictures. The online version paled in comparison as they didn't include any of the pictures taken of either baby - my Kavya or the baby of the other family interviewed, Lily.

I know that however glad you are that they did the article, you must be so disappointed. I'm so sorry that Aedan didn't get the opportunity to be seen by others for the beautiful soul that he is. However, his story was told, and I'm sure he touched many people's hearts!

[Marcus Momma]

I guess I would be disappointed if my town ran it in their newspaper and didn't include Marcus' picture because everyone knows who he is especially after the yard sale we had to have. Everyone was talking about him. You dont hear about babies dying around here very much in my town because it is small but another baby was born stillborn a few days ago and his mom might be on here I hope.

[Madge]

I don't blame you for being a bit hurt. I also don't think they do understand the wonderful work the photographers can do with these babies who don't come out looking "perfect" in the world's eyes.

And......to say the picture of Aedan may offend somebody---they are speaking from ignorance. They are not understanding that the child was a part of the family from the moment of conception, and the baby's death did not change that love and connection one iota.

People have a right to say stupid things, but we have a right to be ticked off about the stupid things they say. Aedan is beautiful, and NILMDTS does beautiful work. The readers of the article will remember your story, and hopefully check things out at the website and see a wide variety of wonderful, memorable images of babies in all stages of life.

You did well. :)

[Madge]

I want to add this: You tell ANY mother (or father) that the picture of their child (alive or not) is possibly offensive.....well, those are fighting words. :mad: Really.

I do understand what they are thinking---but I don't agree with it one iota.

[HAINAngel2000]

Krista it is actually normal for online versions to not have the pictures with the article. However for them to say one may be offended if adding it is pathetic and sadly unless they have experienced loss themselves they will never understand.

[Krista]

I'm sorry, my venting seems to have taken away from the story. I am proud of the story and I am honoured and hope Aedan can help other families, and so very pleased NILMDTS was on the front page of the newspaper. Thank you for your kind words of support, you are wonderful friends.

((HUGS))

[Madge]

Oh, I don't think it has taken away from the article. I really don't. Lately I've just been a bit miffed with people---and it is simply because they don't understand, and I know they don't. But it doesn't make it any easier. I apologize if my miffedness (yes, that is a word:o ) took away from the point of this thread.

The articles about NILMDTS are great, and I hope that something like this will be done locally, also.

[Katherine]

Big Hugs Krista!!! Im sorry they didn't put Aedan's photo in... He's a beautiful baby boy!!!
It was a very well done article! I of coursed bawled the whole way through it ;)

[motherofthree]

You didn't take away from the article; it was very touching, and they told so much of Aedan's story - it was lovely. I was shocked at seeing that Kavya didn't appear in the online version of our local NILMDTS story, but to not be in the paper version either would have broken my heart just a little. I am very happy, though that Aedan's story got told; just think of how many people who's hearts he has touched! He's accomplished so much in such a short amount of time.

[Kristi Sanger]

Krista,

What a beautiful story. I hope this too (even though they did not include Aedan's portrait) will find it's way in to your "book" of memories. Thanks for sharing.


Kristi