the heartaches of motherhood….
So, as I sit here at 6:30 in the morning on my couch, I feel the need the write…good thing I have a blog! I just returned from a session at the hospital. Although I shoot mostly good memories…births, new babies, and weddings…..sometimes I shoot moments that are deeply sadening. As most of you know, I coordinate a program called Whispers and we’re partnered with NILMDTS, for Spectrum Hospital. We have had so many calls lately, it breaks my heart. When traveling to and from the hospital for these sessions, so many thoughts race through my head. Usually of how grateful I am for my children, sadness for the family, and wanting to crawl back into bed. Today though…I had other thoughts. This morning, I watched a mother comforting her daughter over the loss of her firstborn daughter….
I began to wonder, how I could ever begin to comfort my daughter, if she lost a child. It’s one thing for me to experience a loss, but to watch my child, lose a child, how even more heartbreaking. As my children get older, I try to think about all the exciting things they will get to experince in their lives….but it’s also hard to cope with the fact that they will also have painful experiences, because I know they will. That is excruciating to think about…I can only pray that God will use those experiences to draw them closer to him. This brought tears to my eyes….
the song by Plumb “I am yours” played on the radio at the same time…. give it a listen.
Here are the lyrics…
your baby blues
so full of wonder
your curley cues
your contagious smile
and as i watch
you start to grow up
all I can do is hold you tight
knowing clouds will rage and
storms will race in
but you will be safe in my arms
rains will pour down
waves will crash all around
but you will be safe in my arms
story books are full of fairy tales
of kings and queens and the bluest skies
My heart is torn just in knowing
you’ll someday see the truth from lies
Castles, they might crumble
dreams may not come true
but you are never all alone
’cause I will always
always love you
Hug your kids ……value each day…
July 24th, 20084:24 pm at
As a mother of a very tiny premie, you cannot know the comfort your pictures bring to families. It seems almost cruel that the world does not stop when something like this happens. Just to have another, non-medical person who’s not in your family, care about what’s going on and record the precious time you have - is ….well its a blessing and I thank you and the other Whispers members.
July 28th, 20081:25 am at
Lisa, I simply adore your heart. You are gold. Thanks for being our fearless leader.
July 28th, 20084:34 am at
Lisa,
We are all so greatful for you and all that you have given to Whispers, and all of the families your images have touched.
July 29th, 20087:26 pm at
Dan’s sister lost her first baby at 9 months and you can still see the grief in his eyes. Your work gives celebration to life and meaning to death - may you never stop living between the human tension of both. Our prayers are with you as you courageously continue this calling.
July 31st, 20087:09 pm at
Thanks everyone….but you all know that I would never be able to help all these people without all of you…..I really appreciate your equal partnerships in this program and seeing the importance of showing others how valuable a life is at any stage…..something these parents firmly believe. I just wish the rest of the world could see this side..it would change hearts. And to all those photogs reading this and saying ” I just couldn’t do that”….none of us said we could…but we knew we HAD too…. These photos are the MOST IMPORTANT ones you will EVER take……volunteer…