There is a story to go with this picture. Every picture has a story, doesn’t it? I’m quite certain this story will touch you. The email comes from Melissa in Minnesota and I share this with her permission.
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The picture was taken in early May as we planted an apple tree in our backyard in remembrance of our sweet baby, taken to heaven before we had the chance to meet him. We were so devastated by this loss and I knew I wanted to photograph/document the process of the tree planting in some way and watching my husbands loving hands in the dirt and surrounding the tree stuck me as the perfect moment.
I’ve have often read about the need to document the ‘hard’ parts of life as well as the happy times/moments, but had never done so. I wanted a picture of the event and all it represented, but a ‘typical picture’ of the tree or our yard just didn’t seem to fit the part. The hands shot filled that role for me … the idea of new life growing in ground, being surrounded by the love our family-captured perfectly why we were planting that tree — a tangible representation of the hope and love we feel for our sweet baby.
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As with so many others that share their stories with me, thank you Melissa. Thank you for sharing this with all of us, and for being an incredible example of strength. I am grateful for every story that I read and hear from those who are photographing, journaling, documenting their story. This is what Project Life is all about.
Tags: Project Life
This is a beautiful photos, his hands making the heart, around the tree. A lovely tribute.
I love that picture and his hands look like they are making a heart shape around the tree.
A friend of mine has also lost babies before meeting them. Her last one she had to deliver because she was 6 months along. The planted a tree in their backyard too. She cries everytime she looks outside and sees it. However, now they are ears of joy since she is expecting a healthy little boy in September.
This photo is beautiful. I hope they blow it up and put it on canvas in their house. Thank you for sharing it.
I also lost a baby before getting to meet and hold my precious gift. It was very hard for us. Life dies go on and that is a beautiful way to honor the love you have for your baby. I am now a mom of three precious children and hold a special spot in my heart for the one we lost. Thanks for sharing.
As a mother who as lost a child, this picture has touched my heart. Sending love and (((hugz))) to my unknown sister.
((HUG)) to Melissa and her family. Thank you so much for sharing..she captured the emotion beautifully.
When my grandmother was in her last days I wanted pictures of her but I didn’t feel it was fair to photograph her face. So I did her hands. I treasure the picture of my daughter holding her great-grandmother’s hand.
I read this post while listening to Laura Story’s song “Blessings” in another window. “What if Your blessings come through raindrops?…” Needless to say, I was in tears. A precious photo of a tender time. Having lost a baby before its birth, I understand the hurt. My thoughts are with this family.
This picture really touched my heart in a very special way.
I lost our little girl on 12/31/2009. I was 3 months pregnant. There isnt a day that goes by that I dont think about her and what could have been. I miss her very much. I know she is in heaven with the Lord. My husband planted a tree on the first mother’s day after she passed. It meant alot to me. My prayers are with all of the ladies who have lost their children.
May God bless you all.
This so touched my heart. Memories do encompass the happy, sad, and every range in between.
Thanks so much for sharing this amazing moment. May God bless and comfort those who have lost a child or another loved one. What a lasting tribute.
Precious! For those who have lost a baby through illness or through miscarriage, read “Heaven is for Real.” I just read it this week. It changed me! Treat yourself to some comfort and reassurance.
hi melissa i know how you feel. i lost my daughter on june12th 2011. her birthday was june 26th. we celebrated her birthday like she was here. she was there in spirit. i been planting perennials and a couple of trees. i cant wait till i am done. its gonna be beautiful just like she was. always with a smile on her face. i am smiling just talking about her. she smiled till the end. never complained.may God continue to bless you and family. LHRK LOVE DORA LEE-DAYTON OH
Having lost three children myself, my heart goes out to Melissa and her family and all those who have lost little angels. God does not take things away without giving us something in return……the pain always remains even alongside joyous times. Will be keeping Melissa and her sweet family in my prayers.
so true to document the hard parts of life…i always find it hard to cry and take pictures…next time i will thank you for sharing!!
I can so relate to your story, Melissa. We lost our little boy 1 1/2 years ago and we were devestated by it. When we were in the hospital they told us to take pictures of him. It’s good for the healingprocess. And so we did. I’m glad we did. When I feel the need I look at the pictures. We recently become proud parents of a little girl and we know there is a little star watching over her.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sandra
I cried reading this and have had to come back to leave a comment. One of my closest friends recently lost twins at 12 weeks. their 2nd round of ivf with 1 egg implant and possibly only one attempt left for them. I was absolutely devastated when I heard the news, as were all of our friends. It is bittersweet for me too as I was 34 weeks pregnant at the time it happened and am heading in to be induced tomorrow to meet our gorgeous baby. I’ll always look at our special bundle and be reminded how fragile life can be and be extra thankful that we were so lucky this time.
This photograph is very touching. I think that the most amazing part of the photo is the colors which probably give a hint at how you were feeling.
I would like to share another photograph. This photograph is one year after we planted our apple tree. The tree was planted in the celebration of my pregnancy. I gave it to my mother for Mother’s Day and to share with her the big news. My sweet baby boy was born November 10th, but this wasn’t until after I lost my father on August 13th. Now our tree represents much more than just my baby boy growing up but about how we all grow each and every day. I cannot wait until my son is old enough to understand what this tree represents, and can stand underneath it.
P.S. For my first Mother’s Day I received a tree kit with only a small acorn. I now have a very small oak tree and it is very exciting to be growing a tree from a seedling.
Link to Photo:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/778x5EToNECeqa0WGY9oTw?feat=directlink
This is so touching. Thank you for sharing.
Oh….simply touching. Thank you for sharing…God Bless!!!
I am so sorry for your loss. I too, have felt that loss and we did a similiar act of love, except ours was a tiny rosebush. It has grown over the years and it now surrounds the entrance way with beautiful white roses every year
Cheers,
Jan
Hello Melissa,
My husband and I can empathize with you and your husband. We lost a baby at 38 weeks and it was the most devastating time of our lives. We also planted a tree in memory of our sweet girl.
This picture of yours is so very touching and heartfelt.
God Bless you both, and thank you for sharing.
I lost my 28 year old son in 2000. His funeral was on July 20th. I have been wanting to do something more in rememberance of him and you have inspired me. Thank you for sharing your story with me.
Hugs
Diann
Thank you for sharing your story. I think it is important to share the difficult parts of our lives, or bumps in the road because they help define who we are.
Beautiful picture. I know how she feels. We lost our baby earlier this month before having a chance to meet him or her. This would have been out first little bundle of joy. Thank you for sharing.