A couple of days ago, two people that I love so very dearly lost their baby. I’m not going to get into the details here; this isn’t my story to tell. But I will tell you that I was shocked by my own feelings of loss for this baby girl that I will never have the chance to hold, to know, to shower with kisses and love. What her parents are going through is beyond imagining.
Through this tragedy I was made aware of a couple of things I want to share with you. The first is The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, an organization of professional photographers who volunteer their time to take portraits of the babies you don’t hear about, the ones who left this world before they were ever truly a part of it. As far as I’m concerned, these photographers are heros.
If you’d like to support their work, please consider making a small donation. Better yet, in honor of Infant Loss Awareness Month, designer Carina Spencer is donating all the proceeds from the sale of her shawl pattern, Faraway, So Close, to Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.
This gorgeous pattern is available on raverly and through Carina’s website for $5.
Our ravelry group is having a Knit-a-Long for Faraway, So Close, and we’d love for you to join us if you are so inclined.
P.S. I understand that some of you will feel moved to leave some words of comfort in comments for my friends, and I think that’s lovely, but I ask those of you who know who I’m writing about to please refrain from using their names here. Thank you for understanding.
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I just want to also let people know about the Wave of Light event that will happen on October 15th… details are on the Infant Loss Awareness Month link that Susie put in her post. I’m trying to get a group to do this at Rhinebeck… it would be amazing to know there are people all over the world doing it as well.
Thanks, Sara. I meant to put it in the post and totally forgot.
Thank you for the beautiful post, Susie. And Sara, a candle will be burning in my home…
Just posted a link to the blog on my Facebook page. I will say that the loss of babies early on affects all of us, whether as family, friends, or ourselves. I want to honor work around this difficult issue. Hugs.
I purchased the shawl pattern months ago but will buy it again. I deeply understand the loss and the grief and am holding your friends in my heart. x
Thank you, Traci. That means the world to me.
Thank you so much for spreading the word about our organization. We at Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep are glad to hear that through this difficult time, awareness and kindness have prevailed. We send our condolences to you and your friends. If they were able to receive photos, we hope that those images of their sweet girl bring healing and hope for their future <3
So sorry for your loved ones loss. I lost a child long before it was due. I never wanted a child, however, losing one was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to endure and it haunts me years later. I wish them peace and comfort.
my heart goes out to your friends who lost their baby
i will buy this beautiful patten
to support this noble cause
much love
comfort and
more love…
<3…
rona
I hope your friends will find comfort in each other during this time of unimaginable heartbreak.
I am a photographer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep and feel so privileged every time I can offer my services to a family. It is really such an honor to share in that most intimate of moments. It is incredibly rewarding.
Please express my condolences to your friends…..it is a heartbreak beyond any other. I feel for them.
Tamara
tell them i love them. tell them its not their fault.
Oh, thank you for posting this. I immediately bought it. I’ve been struggling with what to do to honor two little ones my friend lost about a month ago, and I hope this will be a wonderful comfort to her as she grieves and remembers.
I keep your friends in my thoughts and I just bought the pattern. I lost a cousin and I know how important these pictures are.
Susan:
NILMDTS photographers give superb help to families suffering a loss. Among the organizations that support them is HAIN (Heavenly Angels in Need — http://heavenlyangelsinneed.com/ ) including their work to make garments, blankets, and memory boxes for the angels and supporting the families in other ways. They have a craft forum ( http://www.haincraftforum.org ) that includes patterns and lists of those who have requested support (only some patterns are accessible to nonmembers but it’s free to join). Sewing, knitting, and crocheting folks are welcome contributors, and many on the lists are NILMDTS photographers. There also is a HAIN group on Ravelry.
I hope your friends can take comfort in remembering their baby in special ways.