Tammy
11-11-2005, 04:36 PM
August 25th, 2005 was supposed to be a day of happiness and joy. My husband and I had gone to the hospital that morning, expecting to bring home our third child; our third son, Chase Allen Becker. All our families and friends were excited about this news, especially our oldest son Rorey. And I was positivley ectatic. I was finally going to meet that little person who was doing all that kicking, poking and what felt like turning double summer-saults and back flips in my womb.
However, the outcome was nothing short of sorrow and despare, heartache and devastation. Chase's heart had stopped beating before he was brought into the world. His umbilical cord that had once sustained his precious life was also his demise, being wrapped around his little body and around his neck. He never took a breath.
After all was said and done, one of the doctors talked to my husband about having a professional photographer come in to capture images of Chase. At first he was reluctant; this was something never before heard of in our area, having pictures taken of a baby who had died. Ultimately, he agreed. He told me later, this was something he agreed to because I was in such a sedative state after having an emergency caesarian. He was not sure I would remember anything that happened, which I don't. Probably a good thing for my sake. Yet in a way, a part of me wishes otherwise.
We were fortunate to have a photographer in our area who could capture these images for our family. I am grateful to Steve, for creating such beautiful, beautiful images of Chase. After all, these images are all we have of our son to hold on to, and to remember him by. In a way, it was Steve who brought my baby to life and marked his presence on this earth. I am truly thankful to the doctor who suggested the idea, and to my husband for agreeing to have it done. I am thankful for the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep organization; to all the people who brought it to life. It is here where Chase's memory lives.
I have great admiration for Cheryl and Sandy. It is my hope they realize what they have built through this site is remarkable; which I am sure they do.
To parents who have suffered the loss of a baby or child, having been there myself I know all too well what the experience is like, as do other parents who have been there. I encourage you to find strength through NILMDTS, as I have. Nothing will bring our precious babies back, but if you seek support from others who can truly understand what you are experiencing, you will find it here. Family and friends are there; yes, but unless they have walked in your shoes it is sometimes difficult for them to fully understand your pain, even more difficult for them to find a way to comfort you.
To family members other then the parents, should this happen to a member of your family, remember to mention this service to them and/or medical staff. Parents who lose a baby are in such a devastated state, the last thing on their minds is having photographs taken. You can be a powerful influence in starting the process of creating memories of their precious baby.
To photographers, I encourage you to become involved in your area with NILMDTS. You have a great power and a precious gift to provide families who suffer this terrible loss. Having the ability to give the gift of rememberance, means more than words could ever describe.
We always hope this tragic experience never happens to any of us, or members of our families. The truth of the matter is; it does happen, perhaps more often then any of us realize. This is why I feel it necessary to aide in getting information about NILMDTS spread. There is no doubt the road to healing is long. However, this organization can provide help in making that journey less of a burden.
However, the outcome was nothing short of sorrow and despare, heartache and devastation. Chase's heart had stopped beating before he was brought into the world. His umbilical cord that had once sustained his precious life was also his demise, being wrapped around his little body and around his neck. He never took a breath.
After all was said and done, one of the doctors talked to my husband about having a professional photographer come in to capture images of Chase. At first he was reluctant; this was something never before heard of in our area, having pictures taken of a baby who had died. Ultimately, he agreed. He told me later, this was something he agreed to because I was in such a sedative state after having an emergency caesarian. He was not sure I would remember anything that happened, which I don't. Probably a good thing for my sake. Yet in a way, a part of me wishes otherwise.
We were fortunate to have a photographer in our area who could capture these images for our family. I am grateful to Steve, for creating such beautiful, beautiful images of Chase. After all, these images are all we have of our son to hold on to, and to remember him by. In a way, it was Steve who brought my baby to life and marked his presence on this earth. I am truly thankful to the doctor who suggested the idea, and to my husband for agreeing to have it done. I am thankful for the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep organization; to all the people who brought it to life. It is here where Chase's memory lives.
I have great admiration for Cheryl and Sandy. It is my hope they realize what they have built through this site is remarkable; which I am sure they do.
To parents who have suffered the loss of a baby or child, having been there myself I know all too well what the experience is like, as do other parents who have been there. I encourage you to find strength through NILMDTS, as I have. Nothing will bring our precious babies back, but if you seek support from others who can truly understand what you are experiencing, you will find it here. Family and friends are there; yes, but unless they have walked in your shoes it is sometimes difficult for them to fully understand your pain, even more difficult for them to find a way to comfort you.
To family members other then the parents, should this happen to a member of your family, remember to mention this service to them and/or medical staff. Parents who lose a baby are in such a devastated state, the last thing on their minds is having photographs taken. You can be a powerful influence in starting the process of creating memories of their precious baby.
To photographers, I encourage you to become involved in your area with NILMDTS. You have a great power and a precious gift to provide families who suffer this terrible loss. Having the ability to give the gift of rememberance, means more than words could ever describe.
We always hope this tragic experience never happens to any of us, or members of our families. The truth of the matter is; it does happen, perhaps more often then any of us realize. This is why I feel it necessary to aide in getting information about NILMDTS spread. There is no doubt the road to healing is long. However, this organization can provide help in making that journey less of a burden.