“These belonged to Murphy.” She looked at me, her eyes searching. “We’d like to include as much as we can in F.’s session.”
I ran my thumb over the smooth leather.
“The vest he never got to wear.” You can hear the sadness in her voice, a weariness no mother should ever have to experience.
“And his Bible.”
I read the name engraved across the front, Murphy Foster McKeel.
Of course I’d never met him, but I felt myself longing to; to hold his tiny body, photograph his perfect fingers and toes.
Wanting to turn back the clock for this sweet family.
I swallow the lump in my throat. “Of course! I love everything you’ve brought, so perfect.”
The loss of Murphy wasn’t new to me. During Erica’s maternity session we had talked at some length about his tragic story. But it pained just the same, seeing tiny pieces of his life laid out in front of me, in front of his parents.
An expectant mother. A car accident. The NICU. Glimmers of hope. Then a sudden, heartbreaking loss.
Now Erica and Caleb sat in my studio, still grieving for the son they lost, but fully ready to celebrate the birth of their beautiful, healthy baby girl, Baby F.
Of course we’d include Murphy in his sister’s session. Siblings are always welcomed and included. In fact, those images are often some of my favorites. Why should this be any different?
I looked over at Baby F., nestled deep in her carseat. The fairest most delicate skin I’d seen, cute button nose, long graceful feet, healthy chubby cheeks.
Simply stunning.
I didn’t even realize I’d captured both Erica and Baby F. smiling together until I uploaded all the images. Sometimes we just get lucky like that.
Murphy’s precious quilt and his lovely baby sister.
Can you guess what the theme is in Baby. F.’s room? 🙂
And those fine wisps of hair. Love.
I like to think she’s wrapped in her brother’s arms.
A few weeks later, as we were designing Baby F.’s book, mom asked me if there was a way to incorporate a quote onto one of the pages.
“Babies smile in their sleep because they are listening to the whispering of angels.”
I have a feeling Baby F. will have many nights filled with smiles.
Mom & Dad, thank you for sharing your brave story with me. It has been such a pleasure working with you. I can’t wait to see Baby F. again in a few shorts months.
Megan Myrick Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, baby, child and family photography in Savannah, GA and surrounding areas including but not limited to Richmond Hill and Pooler.
