GUEST COLUMNIST

For over a year now, I have been a part of the “Blue Bird photography program”, and my job is to capture the first ever newborn picture. It’s a dream job that I never thought I would have, especially considering my previous career of 25 years in transportation.

God has a way of putting us in the place where we belong. One fateful day, I found myself waiting in the hospital lobby when a young child sat down beside me. I soon discovered that this little one was deaf, but I didn’t let that deter me from making a connection. Through the pictures on my phone, we formed a bond that sparked something deep inside me. In that very moment, I realized that working with children was my true calling.

Determined to pursue my newfound passion, I started volunteering as a “Cuddle” in the Neonatal Intensive Care Uni (NICU), offering comfort and care to infants and their families. Before long, I became a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and was overjoyed to secure a position in the pediatrics unit.

But just as I was settling into my dream job, the pandemic hit and everything changed.

When the pandemic hit, I was relocated to the 3rd floor rehabilitation unit, where I worked with adults. It was tough, but I persevered. Months later, I learned of a newborn photographer position, and I jumped on it. I have five children of my own, so taking pictures of newborns wasn’t something that made me nervous. However, I was nervous about the quality of the pictures. I wanted to make sure that the parents loved my work, especially because although I was lacking photography experience, I remained optimistic that my heartfelt approach to every shot would shine through.

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. To the moms, I would want them to know that you just did something miraculous - you brought a human being into this world! In this moment, you may feel tired, overwhelmed, and perhaps a little self-conscious about how you look. But let me tell you, none of that matters. You are beautiful and powerful, and this moment is one that you will want to cherish forever.

As a photographer, I have witnessed the sparkle in the dad’s eyes when they see the transformation of their partner becoming a mother. I think fathers would agree with me when I say, there is nothing more beautiful than a mother holding her baby.

The Blue Birds photography program uses a portion of the proceeds from each photography session to purchase car seats and cribs for parents who cannot afford them. It’s a way of ensuring that all parents have what they need to care for their new little ones. The rest of the proceeds go to different charities.

I am 65 years old, and I hope to continue doing this amazing job for as long as I can. It’s the best job in the world, and I am grateful for it every single day.