METHODIST MOMENTS

These days, I have the privilege of capturing the first precious poses of 6-8 newborn babies a day. My day looks a little like this. As I enter the patient’s room, I introduce myself and immediately begin to assist the mother with getting out of bed. With tender care, I delicately position the baby in the most optimal pose for their firstever photograph. Yet, what truly captivates me is the boundless affection and tenderness that radiates from the new parents towards their little one. Witnessing this profound love never fails to leave me in awe.

As part of my job, I also bear witness to some of the most heartwrenching moments families can endure. When a stillborn baby is born, I’m often called upon to capture their fleeting existence in photographs, a precious moment for grieving parents. It’s a task that requires sensitivity, empathy, and grace. When the social worker contacts me, I know the wright of their request. I enter the room and guide the parents through the process, honoring their child’s memory with every shot. It’s a challenging job, but my driving force is knowing that I’m giving these parents something tangible to hold onto.

As for how I manage to cope the with emotional burden of it all? I focus on the baby’s peacefulness. I remind myself that they did not suffer and that their short life had meaning. I draw strength from the parents’ resilience, amazed by their unwavering love and courage in the face of unimaginable loss.

To be entrusted with such a profound responsibility is both humbling and gratifying. It’s a privilege to help families in their darkest hour, to provide them with a reminder of the love they shared with their child.