Simply Awestruck

[Jamie07]

Hi,

I feel compelled to say something, anything, to all of the amazing women (and men) who were brave enough to reach out for help and guidance during the most devastating time of their lives. I saw an ad in our local Family Guide and immediately logged on to nilmdts as soon as I got home that evening. I was shaken to the core with the images that I saw and the stories I read. I am forever humbled by the grace and dignity all of you have shown. Thank you for telling your stories and allowing us to see your beautiful babies. They are stunning, each and every one of them. I have seen the epitome of strength and beauty.

I live in Austin, TX and would love to know if there is anything I could do to help further the mission of nilmdts.Please let me know.


I wish you all peace.

Leslie

[motherofthree]

Jamie, thank you so much for your kind words. This is a wonderful organization - I hope they find a "place" for you in Austin. Are you a photographer? What kind of work do you do?

Beth

[Jamie07]

Hi,

No, I'm not a photographer. I wish I were.That would provide me with the perfect opportunity to help. I'm 'just' a stay-at-home Mom. I assumed there must be something that I can do from here. I just don't know what it could be. Today at Gymboree a woman came with her little girl and she brought along this giant camera that looked very professional and intimidating. I almost asked her is she were a professional photographer that way I could introduce NILMDTS to her. Perhaps next week.

[motherofthree]

I know what you mean - I've thought quite seriously of taking up photography.

One thing I do is when I go to any fairs or anything, if I see a photography booth or a photographer I ask them if they've heard of NILMDTS and encourage them to get involved - tell them how much it has changed my life.

[Jennifer Cook]

Hello Leslie and thank you for taking the extra step of looking into NILMDTS further. There are other ways to help support NILMDTS besides being a photographer. Many photographers need an assistant so if you feel this is something you could do that would help. There is also the financial needs that NILMDTS is faced with on a constant basis that is always a need anyone can help out with. For more information on different ways to help out with NILMDTS you can look here (http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/pageDisplay.php?page=37) on the main website to give you some ideas.

I believe the area coordinator for Austin is Jennifer Turner. Her email address is jenit@aol.com so you could definately contact her to see what the needs are. It goes without saying that if you would like to become involved you would have to officially volunteer through NILMDTS but it's a step in the right direction to see how you could fit in with the needs present in your area.

If you sew, crochet, or knit you could also look at Heavenly Angels In Need (http://heavenlyangelsinneed.com/)or the Mary Madeline Project (http://www.marymadelineproject.org/). They provide many outfits, blankets, and memory boxes for families served.

These are just a few ways to help out... I hope it helps.

EDIT: Added AC info... forgot in original post. :0

[Marcus Momma]

I am glad you are wanting to help just saying hi and welcome

[Tasha Nicholls]

Leslie,

Thank you for your compassion and willingness to help out and get involved! I guarantee that if you want to help, we can find a way to use your assistance!

[Jamie07]

Hi all,

Thank you for the info. I will certainly call the area coordinator and see what she may need. Unfortunately, I do not know how to crochet, etc. That would probably be easier to learn than photography. :)

I wanted to express my gratitude to all of the amazing people I have 'met' on this forum. You have opened my eyes to what is truly important in this world. We (my little family) are struggling so much right now with day to day issues and I am able to snap out of it so much easier now. I have been able to look at things with fresh eyes and see that money woes and a cluttered living room really aren't that important. I'm trying to just cherish the todays and not worry about the tomorrows.

I now check on you all everyday!! I am so inspired by all of you.

[Marianne Sisovsky]

Hi Jamie,

Thank you for taking the time to write! I know that we have volunteer photographers in Austin and Round Rock.

I'm sure they will be thrilled to know that another local person has come on board. :D

[Candace Craw-Goldman]

Hi Jamie

I am a NILMDTS photographer in Austin. I know sometimes having a second hand or a person to go to the hospital with you is a great help. You don't need to be a photographer. PM me if you want.

[Kirk Kief]

Candace is right, you can assist a photographer on an assignment if you'd like. However, you will need to submit a signed copy of the Volunteer Service Agreement to us before doing this.

[Austin's Momma]

I think its wonderful that you've taken the time to learn more about NILMDTS and the families on this forum. It's great that you recognize what the really important things are...it's easy to forget. After I posted my story, I was so excited to see that people actually read it and responded. It was really nice to share the pictures of my son and comforting to read messages from everyone. If you could just read stories from people and write a quick note back to them, I know they would appreciate it. Welcome!

[Laceys mama]

Leslie,
thank you for all your kind words and welcome. This is a great group of people and I thank god for this organization. I am on this website everyday and it is my support through my hard journey. I think it is so great that you want to do something to help. It just goes to show how many wonderful people there are in the world. Take care
Melody
Lacey Darlene's Mama

[Jamie07]

Hi Sarah and Melody,

I would be honored to write a quick note back after every new story I read. Sometimes it seems so invasive since I haven't experienced the pain of this loss. I, too, check this website everyday. More to check in and see how everyone is doing. But also, I read your stories and I gain so much strength from them. I admire all of you so much. It's turned into a mini mission that I get involved somehow. And soon enough I will! You are all so lucky you have one another. And oh, those babies. I never tire of seeing the pictures. I'm a sucker for a beautiful baby.

I hope this note finds you well!!

Leslie