Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS)

I am a volunteer nut. Its something I'm passionate about. I love being about to take my talents as a photographer and use them for the Greater Good. I've had on my heart now a super big challenge to undertake. Something that would be so deeply touching and personal for a family, that the experience of photographing it would forever change my life. Its been on my heart for awhile now, and only recently was I able to answer the call.

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep is a non-profit organization that provides bereavement photography free of charge to parents experiencing the death of an infant or small child through illness, trauma or stillbirth and to help them begin their healing journey. Talk about no easy feet. Let me say that I have no children and have never been pregnant. I have never had to endure the pain of losing a little one. It is a loss so heart wrenching that my mind cannot even start to fathom the pain it must cause all of those involved. When I found out about NILMDTS 6 months ago, I knew I wanted to get involved, but I also knew, at the time, I just wasn't ready. Now, half a year later, I am ready.

All photographers that are affiliated with the organization must be approved. It is a lengthy process that takes several weeks. They investigate each and every photographer and don't allow simply anyone to belong to their organization. I found out late last night, that after 3 weeks of anticipation, I had been accepted. While I know that it will be very, very difficult to witness a family during possibly the most traumatic time in their lives, the intrinsic reward of capturing that precious little one and giving a family photographs of thier baby that will only be with us for a short time are more than words can say. Its going to be tough, but the gift I will be able to give will be irreplaceable.

Last week, the Today show had a segment concerning the organization appropriately named "Healing the Heartbreak". You can WATCH THE VIDEO HERE, but I must warn you, crying will not be optional. I sobbed when I watched it. Things like that are the reason why I know me volunteering to do this is the right thing.

If you would like to know more about the Now I Lay You Down To Sleep organization, please go to thier website at www.NILMDTS.org.