I hail from the east coast. Since moving to Utah 6 years ago, I have found that more and more, I am finding that things are done differently here. When we knew Lilly was going to pass away, my Mom's neighbor across the street, Kim, asked if she could take some family pictures of us once Lilly came. The pictures potentially may have been after Lilly passed but ended up living and so we were able to get pictures of us all together. She also asked if we wanted any pictures of the funeral. Where I grew up, I was in no way accustomed to taking pictures at funerals. But to Mike and his family, this is and was important. So we had Kim take pictures of Lilly's funeral. And then when Ryker passed away, she took some again of his funeral. These pictures are what we call the "hard" pictures, and we do not have physical copies of them. Well today, I was over my parent's old house and Kim came over and gave me the CD's of the pictures of Lilly's sweet pictures of her and us, the pictures of Lilly's funeral, and the pictures of Ryker's funeral. They are sweet to us, but very hard. I only have shared them with very few people, and I do not think I would ever share them openly on here even. I did want to share a few, and I promise that none are pictures that will shock you. They are just some of the sweet pictures that we hold dear to us. The two of Lilly are when we had family pictures taken. The one of Ryker was the last time we held Ryker on this earth.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Pictures of Ryker and Lilly
I hail from the east coast. Since moving to Utah 6 years ago, I have found that more and more, I am finding that things are done differently here. When we knew Lilly was going to pass away, my Mom's neighbor across the street, Kim, asked if she could take some family pictures of us once Lilly came. The pictures potentially may have been after Lilly passed but ended up living and so we were able to get pictures of us all together. She also asked if we wanted any pictures of the funeral. Where I grew up, I was in no way accustomed to taking pictures at funerals. But to Mike and his family, this is and was important. So we had Kim take pictures of Lilly's funeral. And then when Ryker passed away, she took some again of his funeral. These pictures are what we call the "hard" pictures, and we do not have physical copies of them. Well today, I was over my parent's old house and Kim came over and gave me the CD's of the pictures of Lilly's sweet pictures of her and us, the pictures of Lilly's funeral, and the pictures of Ryker's funeral. They are sweet to us, but very hard. I only have shared them with very few people, and I do not think I would ever share them openly on here even. I did want to share a few, and I promise that none are pictures that will shock you. They are just some of the sweet pictures that we hold dear to us. The two of Lilly are when we had family pictures taken. The one of Ryker was the last time we held Ryker on this earth.
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My friend Paula lost her son IKE when he was 18 months old. He was born with the TOF heart defect. He also hd a trach. He passed, when taking a nap he pulled out his trach. I think it has been over three years now and she hasn't seen any video footage of him (her mother has it) because it is so hard. I think alot of people do take pictures. I took pictures at my FIL's funeral, because I was asked too but some people did find it odd.
ReplyDeleteThat first picture is too adorable! The last picture brings tears to my eyes. You can really see the pain in your face. I'm so sorry you have had to go thru this twice!
Hugs and Prayers
These pictures are so sweet! I can't imagine your pain. I too just teared up seeing that picture of you saying goodbye to your sweet Ryker. I can't imagine what emotion must come racing back with the other pictures. Thanks for posting these! I love them!!!
ReplyDeleteI have yet to develop the film of my firt son's funeral. I think about doing it almost every day (five years later). I'm proud of you!
ReplyDeleteI have found your blog through Gracie Gledhills. I first have to say what a beautiful strong spirit you have. You must feel so honored to know that TWO of Heavenly Fathers choicest spirits choose you to be there mom. The photos are precious...if only we could take photos of the day you will have when you meet back in a joyous reunion.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your sweet babies and photos with us.
Love,
Jamee Colquitt
colquittfab5.blogspot.com
You have two beautiful ANGELS!!! Thank you for sharing them with us! Your strength is inspiring to me.
ReplyDeleteHUGS!!!
Andrea
Ryker was SO handsome! I can still hardly believe how beautiful of a baby your was.
ReplyDeleteThose pictures of your two little ones are precious. Thank you for sharing such intimate moments.
ReplyDeleteHeart Hugs,
Carolyn
Em, wow I just had a flood of emotion as I read this and saw the picture of you and Mike holding little Ryker. How do you guys do it? How does the most amazing people that I know go through things that are so unbearable? You honestly are the strongest individuals I have ever met. I just love ya. Love those pics of Lilly, what a sweetie.
ReplyDeleteHey BTW--- LOVE LOVE LOVE my bows. Mike gave them to me today and I was so dang excited, all I thought about was Mya wearing them to the rodeo. Oh and I told Mike the Lehi rodeo is better than Strawberry Days. Oops, hope that was ok. Hang in there.
So Beautiful!!! Such special memories...we, too, have pictures of our little angel (on discs as I can't find it in me yet to print them). Oh, I LOVE Lilly's bow!!!
ReplyDeleteHeart hugs~ Rebecca
After reading this post I've cried three time before I could bring my self to post to you.
ReplyDeleteLill looks so sweet in that little christmas stocking, :) I cant believe how much hair your they both had when they we're born, so cute.
Your last picture sends all the flash back to me and as well to Sam (he was sitting by me when I read the post). It sent all the emotions of living at PCMC. Its hard not to cry when you look back at the past. I know one day you will have a sweet baby in your arms, but that will never take away the pain you two feel. We are so blessed that when we get to heaven we will have perfectly health babies.
That was such a hard time for all 6 of us. I'll never forget the hope and strenth you brought to me. It was comforting to know someone else knew what it was like to see your new born in the PICU.
You always looked so beautiful with the curls in your hair, I had to wonder if you woke up in the morning that way. :P
I still laugh about the time Mike was keeping you comfort in the milking room. That was so sweet of him to support you the way he did.
We think of you and pray for your family all the time.
HUGS!
Melynda
PS. I wanted to see you on the 8th but we didnt want Mariska to be in the cold. Nothings worth the risk her getting ill and back there if we dont have to be. I'm sure you understand.