Images

There are some images that once seen, stay with you for a lifetime. My friend Jen, who I met while living in D.C., has often been the procurer of these images. She is the photographer for my family and has been for 5 years now. I love her beautiful work.

Recently, she has extended her talent to others through the foundation, "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" (http://www.nilmdts.org/). It's an organization of volunteer photographers that take pictures of new babies just before or right after they pass away. Jen has found part of her life's mission in her work through this organization. Her work and her story is featured this week in Newsweek magazine (www.newsweek.com/id/182572).

Before you read the story, you must know some of the most recent developments in Jen's life. She just lost a baby over the Christmas holiday. Her son, Connor, had Trisomy 18 and passed away after only two hours. Her blog, included in my list, about her "Littlest" son has documented her pregnancy, the painful diagnosis and the profound grief at his loss.

I was fortunate enough to be in Utah to attend the funeral. This is what I mean about unforgettable images. I'll never forget the sight of their family: Father (carrying the casket), mother, and three children walking down the long pathway carved out of the snow to the grave site.

But before you start feeling down, I have to tell you that the funeral was one of the most touching, uplifting services I've been to. I am astounded at the strength Jen and her husband have shown. They are grateful, they have seen miracles and they are so bravely sharing them with others to lift and inspire despite their grief.

Jen had several of her colleagues from "NILMDTS" take pictures of her family and son Connor at his birth and they shared the photos in a slideshow during the funeral. It is completely amazing and heart wrenching at the same time.

I share this (with Jen's permission) because it is so inspiring and perhaps you know someone who can be lifted up by my friend's story. It has strengthened my testimony of so many principles. Mainly, that Heavenly Father pours out His mercy continually upon us and oh how He loves us!! We are not alone in our pain and suffering. He grieves with us and walks with us down the long path of sorrows we face in this life. He has a plan for us and has prepared the way for us to return. What I've seen of Jen's experiences has reconfirmed these truths and I will never forget this lesson.