The following story is from one family who inspired the creation of Love Everlasting. The images from Reid’s session are not an example of the photos and films that we will be capturing for families through Love Everlasting. Pediatric illness is not always terminal and Love Everlasting is not end-of-life sessions. Reid left an imprint that led us to capture meaningful stories, not just picture-perfect moments. We’re preserving memories for families facing pediatric illness because they often have so much of childhood taken away by doctors visits and procedures that we want to help them encapsulate the pieces of their life where they find joy through spending time together as a family.

Be advised that the content of this story is very emotional and shows one family’s story of loss and love.

In 2018, a photographer friend reached out to me about a bereavement session because she knew that I volunteered for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. Without having done a session before for a family facing loss, she wasn’t sure that she could handle it. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I could either but I got in my car and headed to Boston Children’s Hospital as quickly as I could. A mother wanted pictures done of her two year old son before his life support was removed. None of the sessions in my past could have prepared me for the intensity of emotion that day.

The hardest session I’ve ever experienced

When I got to the cardiac ICU, I met with the mother. A week before her child was vibrant and smiling. Very suddenly his donated heart was being rejected. She asked that I take pictures of the entire experience. From the goodbyes of every family member, to the removal of his tubes, I never left their sides down to the moment his parents gave him one last kiss. As tears streamed down my face, the only way to hold my composure was through the lens of my camera. Through my photography I had purpose. When I got home I went upstairs to give my sleeping toddlers a kiss and then headed straight to my computer to process (literally and figuratively) what I just experienced. It wasn’t until I sat down to edit the images that I let all of the pain and heartache flood in. When the gallery was complete it was the first time that I saw a story unfold – one of love, support, beauty and of course immeasurable heartache. I learned that hands and touch are just as important to capture as smiles. It’s through the little details of life that we are reminded of our connection and belonging.

The gift of an angel

This beautiful boy gave me one of the greatest gifts I ever could have imagined. He gave me a purpose. I knew I loved photography but until meeting this family I had no idea how I could use it in a way that could speak to the soul. This was the beginning of a journey I never expected to be on but I am so grateful that I am. So I want to say thank you to this angel and to his supportive family for inviting me in to share that sacred space.