Full circle...

Meet baby Jacob!  This beautiful baby boy is the nephew of my dear friend, Dana.   Baby Jacob's story is nothing short of miraculous.  He was born three short months ago just outside of Naples, Italy.  His parents are American but his father was working abroad as an attorney for the U.S. Navy.  Jacob's arrival was long awaited and very much anticipated by everyone in the family. 

Late one night I checked my e-mail just before heading to bed.  My heart sank as I read an urgent prayer request from Dana.  In the e-mail she described that baby Jacob had been whisked away by dr.'s just minutes after he was born.  She went on to talk about heart problems and other complications.  I could hardly bring myself to finish reading the e-mail.  In that moment the memories of my own precious nephew, Ethan, came rushing back. 

3-years ago we said good-bye to Ethan after only 2 short days after his birth.  It was unexpected and by far the most tragic experience of our lives.   Although everything happened so fast there are specific moments and details of the event that I will never forget.  One of those moments took place as I sat by myself in the waiting room.  I was watching my family members stand around in shock waiting for word from the dr's.  Every prayer I could think to pray had been prayed.  So, there I sat in silence.  Waiting.  Wondering.  I remember looking at my sister-in-law and making a promise to myself that no matter how long baby Ethan was with us he would have a huge impact on my life.

When Ethan passed my sister-in-law came to me with a box.  A very small box.  It contained the few things they had from Ethan's birth including a handful of images.  She asked if I could put a scrapbook together before the funeral.   Then she said..."Oh, how I wish we had more pictures of our sweet baby boy."   It's that statement that threw me into action.

23 days after Ethan's funeral I received my very first DSLR.   The first non-point-and-shoot I'd ever  touched.  Opening the box I was completely overwhelmed.  I had no idea if I would even be able to learn to turn the silly thing on let alone take a picture with it.  But I was filled with determination and not much was going to stop me. Luckily, I found the 2peas photography board and found some incredible mentors who were most gracious with their time and talent.   

Fast forward to Sept. of this year.  When I received the e-mail from Dana I immediately went into action to find a photographer to take pictures of her nephew Jacob.  I found a photographer in Italy and was in the process of working with her when we learned that Jacob would be flown to the U.S. for open heart surgery.  Details were sketchy but it looked like he would be taken to the D.C. area.  So I got on the phone with the incredibely talented,  Susan Braswell, who offered to drop her schedule in order to fit this in.  Susan went to the hospital a few days after they arrived and captured the most beautiful images you could ever imagine.  Absolutely stunning!!

It turns out that despite the poor prognosis given by the entire team of dr's evaluating Jacob he was a boy on a mission.  He defied the odds and made a miraculous recovery.   

Here we are 3 months later and just a week before Christmas I received a call from Dana telling me that Jacob and his parents would be in town for the holidays.  She was hoping to get a picture of her son and Jacob to give to her mother-in-law.  The only day I really had open was Christmas Eve but I could think of no better way to celebrate the day.  Dana and her entire family including Jacob and his mom came over in an attempt to get a shot of the two boys together. 

Nevermind the chaos of trying to get an 18-month old and a 3-month old in the same shot and the technical nightmare of limited light.  All that stuff went out the window.  Here I was...fulfilling a promise to my own precious nephew.  Doing something in his memory.  The timing of this shoot and the circumstances around it make it hard for me not to believe that this happened for a reason.  I can't help but look at these images and think of baby Ethan. 

And then of course I had to snap a few solo shots of little Keiton. He is so fun to photograph!

 

Comments

[melissa deakin]

jamie,
this is such a beautiful story.
just incredible.
so happy you shared it and these incredible photos.
i adore your work so much.
you are so inspiring.

[Shelley Rankin]

Jamie this story is just so touching. I also believe you were meant to photograph this little guy.

So sorry about your nephew. I am sure he is looking down at you from Heaven and smiling with pride at all that you do. Your work is stunning.

Thanks for sharing.

[kathy p]

Jamie, I am so sorry to hear about your nephew. This is one of the most touching stories that I have read in a long time. I am in awe of your commitment and willingness to always give to others. You are a very special person and are very inspiring to those around you! Thanks for sharing this story and your beautiful images.

[Rachel Dallaire]

That is such a powerful, touching story. It's so awesome that you have made such a difference and impact with your photography. You really inspire me. Someday I hope to make a difference with my photography.

[Laura Vegas]

what a beautiful story. and such amazing photos of the boys. they're gorgeous!

[Lu]

Wow. All I can say is wow.

[eLiZaBeTh]

Jamie.. what a story.. oh my gosh.. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your nephew and the inspiration he had fired in your heart.. Your work is truely beautiful.. and I agree with Shelly's comment about your nephew watching down over you smiling with pride.. this story really touched my heart.. and brought a few tears.. thanks for sharing it.
e

[Alissa]

Beautiful photographs and beautiful words...thank you. I've lately been in search of a way to give back with my love of photography too, and hopefully I'll be led in the right direction; it's such a blessing to give hurting families precious images of their loved ones. TFS!

[chelo]

What a touching story- and what gorgeous photographs. So sorry to hear about your loss, but at the same time happy that you are motivated to wield such a powerful gift.

[Renee]

I have got to learn to grab tissues before reading your blog...

[sageg]

Jamie, this post is going to make me contact one of the local organizations who provide this type of photography. I've been interested, but so scared. You put it into perspective. Thank you.

[Monica]

Wow.. what an incredible moving story! These two children are absolutely precious! I'm so glad that you were able to carry out this task in honor of your nephew.

[jen]

What a very touching story. Thank you for sharing it.

I think you did a great job with these photos, you mentioned the lighting was tough, but it looks just beautiful to me.
Jen-

[Lyndsay]

what a touching story, thank you for being so open to share it with us. Beautiful shots!!

[miranda renner]

Given my current situation I'm in with my daughter, I am trying my hardest to truly believe in miracles. The story of Baby Jacob gives me hope that real miracles do occour. Thank you so much for sharing their story. The photos turned out amazing.
miranda

[Amanda(peawithme)]

Wow! what a beautiful story! and beautiful captures to go right along with it. Thank you for sharing. Truly an inspiration!

[frederique]

I remember the story of your nephew and more recently Jacob. I am so happy he is doing so well. Wonderful pictures you captured!
I am back but no internet connection so chatting is out for now (I miss it so...). Just wait for me....

[Julie C Butler]

I saw these the other day and forgot to comment.. Incredible story. I am sorry for the loss of Baby Ethan .. I can't begin to image how difficult this would have been for you and your family.
And I am glad that you found yourself despite these sad moments!! You are a true person .. and it shows in your photography as well .. these photos that you took of your friends little boys speak out to me..
I just love all of them.. You did a fantastic job at capturing the moment with them!! You are a good person .. and you are also very talented. I am glad to have found you...
Thanks for sharing your story .. It makes me realize everyday how lucky I am to have a healthy little baby boy.
I am also very happy that this little boy recovered from the surgery .. little ones are miracles .. and it is tragic to loose them!
Anyway - I will stop now .. before there is a puddle at my feet.
Take Care, Julie

[Angela Shea]

wonderful images! I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your nephew- but your story is the very reason that photography is so important. I have been brought to tears by this story and your words and of course your beautiful images! Thank you for sharing!