Is there a line?

[Sherry Marshall]

Today I photographed a baby for a family. I would say it was my most heart wrenching to date. It was unexpected, they didn't know something was wrong until close to his birth, other than there were complications and she had to have a C-section at 27 weeks. The mother was in recovery so she couldn't be in the pictures. The father came to the room they found for me and the baby. I have gone to the hospital by myself the past couple of times. I was alone with the father and the baby. The Father was heart broken and a bit distrought. Sobbing at times as he held his little baby, not understanding why he was taken from him. I felt so helpless. Knowing that I didn't know what to say sometimes I don't say anything to a fault, I tried to comfort him by just gently patting his shoulder, I wanted to give him a huge hug and let him know I felt his pain, I didn't feel that was appropriate though. That was a tough situation to be in. I know not half UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE YEAR as tough as the situation he is in but, if someone could offer some advice for the future... Should I just make sure I always have someone else with me. I made the decision to do it by my self because first of all I don't really feel like I am alone, because of my faith. The other fact is I almost feel ditracted when I have others with me... maybe that is a good thing but it keeps me from really connecting to the families.

Any thoughts are appreciated.