Touched by an Angel

A few months ago, I had the privilege of meeting baby CJ and his parents and paternal grandparents, as part of the volunteer work I do as an area coordinator and affiliated photographer for NILMDTS (The Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation ).
CJ was born on my birthday, and when we met he was almost two weeks old. We spent a couple of hours together, at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta hospital, and took many bitter sweet pictures.

CJ's time here ended after 40 days and 40 nights. He was at home in his parents' bed, surrounded by love and grace, as he passed away. His journey has touched many people, everyone who met him and many who have not. His parents are simply amazing. Their commitment to their family, to making CJ's time here a celebration of love and faith and a testament to the strengthening bond of their love, is just beyond words. To meet them all was to experience the way grace can move through our daily lives, take them over and transform them into something purer and truer, something without end.

His parents continue to work towards keeping CJ's memory alight, and his legacy full of meaning. They are glad to spread the word about the miracle of his life, and as such have agreed that I share their story with you via my blog. Many people who love CJ have planted memory trees in his name. Perhaps someone reading this will do the same. Visit www.treesforcj.com, as well as their caringbridge website to learn more about this family and their special journey.

Life here is precious and fragile. Love is everlasting. And there is joy and grace to be uncovered in every moment. This is what I learned by meeting CJ.

Thank you, Maggie and Chad, for who you are.

Click on the image below to see CJ's slideshow:



With the Month of October being recognized as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, The Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation holds its Annual Fund Drive for six weeks starting in mid-September and ending in October. As the giving season is coming near, consider supporting this volunteer organization which is committed to creating everlasting memories for families of children whose lives are ending much too soon.