An email from the family Kathleen requested assistance

[Teresa Howell]

Kathleen had requested assistance for a NILMDTS family that had lost their photos....I won't go into any details but it is much more heartbreaking that what I could have imagined. Jessi and Dudley jumped in and did the editing and I took their photos and made a slideshow.

Kathleen was our "go between" and through Kathleen we were able to acquire a poem the mom had written (which will make you cry) and mom has seen the slideshow and loves the photos.

Here is her email thanking NILMDTS. This is why NILMDTS volunteers do what they do..I removed a portion of her email containing details that I do not feel I should share on the forum..

Thank You!

Teresa,
You are more than welcome to share the email as I want to thank all those who worked on this phenomenal gift! I’m not sure if you know my “story” behind our photos!

(deleted portion)

Both my husband and I felt as if we had lost our son all over again…so to receive this slideshow is beyond words as to how blessed we feel.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Kim, Gary & Keeley

[Tasha Nicholls]

Thanks for posting this, Teresa. I am so glad that this family had other photographs to work with.

This is one of two instances in NILMDTS history when images have been lost and is a great wake up call and reminder to all to please, please, please... BACK UP YOUR IMAGES!!! ASAP! Hard drives and corrupt cards CANNOT always be saved... it is so critical that we all take every precaution to take care of these images so we are not causing more harm to these families.

Our families are counting on these images and sometimes have not taken any pictures, themselves. Losing them is like losing their children all over again. You do not want to have to make that call and tell your family that you do not have images for them...

I know accidents happen... but, let's make sure we're doing everything in our power to minimize the risks. :)

[Christine Barrack]

What a wonerful blessing for the family. So glad that you, Jessi and Dudley were able to give the family a gift. Thank you for all your work!