Fingerprints

Most of you know that I am a volunteer for an organization called NILMDTS. The work of this organization is very dear to my heart. I love that I am able to give back to these families in this very special way. I was called on Friday to be on hand this past Sunday. The baby was to be taken off life support and the mother asked that a photographer be there to capture the baby before the tubes were removed and then also capture some of her and the baby with no tubes. I could write for hours about how emotional these sessions are for me. I am amazed by the parent's strength as they watch their hopes and dreams for their child die. This baby was 100% perfect on the outside and it just felt like she should open her eyes and cry. She was real- here- and then gone.
On the way to the hospital I was frazzled. I had a crazy morning with my kids and trying to get out the door for this session was really hard. I felt that the devil was pulling me from doing what I knew was an angels work. When I finally got on the road I was an emotional mess. I wanted to be so pulled together for this mom and instead I felt like i needed some hand holding. I racked my brain on who to call for support. I knew the answer instantly- Brandi. She would be able to talk me through this.
Brandi is a client turned friend. She is the woman behind the Bible studies I have referred to before. She is inspirational  and  honest and  such a woman of faith. So, I called her.  I  wish I  could better explain to you what she said to me  but it was something like this. FINGERPRINTS, Elizabeth, you are leaving your fingerprints. What? Hmmm..
She went on to explain that as she looks at images she has in her home she often thinks not only of the image itself but of the person behind the camera. The other part of the story that is so important but not recognized in the actual picture. She reminded me that each picture I take, each portrait that hangs in a home.... carries my fingerprints. Ahhh- peace- I want to leave my fingerprints in as many lives as I can. A fingerprint is a touch and I want to touch people. NILMDTS helps me touch people I would otherwise never know. What a blessing Sunday was.
The ending of the story-
The baby was beautiful and the mom was obviously hurting. We were able to talk for a good hour. I was honored to photograph baby J. while on life support as well as when she took her last breath.

Comments

[Shelly]

Dear Elizabeth, I am now, also, a NILMDTS photogpraher in Rhode Island-because of you. Not because of this sad, sad, story, but because I saw the NILMDTS banner on your website when look at friends' images of their beautiful twins (R&L) back in June or July 2007.
Thank you for sharing "fingerprints"...it's very powerful.
Wishing you peaceful moments each day.

[Nicole]

What an amazing service you provided! I'm not sure I'd have been able to hold the camera steady after the baby was taken off support...what a wonderful gift you gave that family!