Losing a child is one of the most devastating things that can happen to any parent. An Ohio couple, prepared to welcome boy-girl twins, learned early on that due to a heart complication, their son would most likely be stillborn. Defying science and reason, that beautiful boy -- William -- was not only born alive, but lived for 11 glorious days. During that special time -- which mom and dad Lyndsay and Matthew Brentlinger consider a precious gift -- family friend Lindsey Brown, of Lindsey Brown Photography, was able to capture gorgeous images of William and his twin sister, Reagan, which the Brentlinger family will always treasure.
With hospice care, William was allowed to leave the hospital and live out the rest of his too-short life surrounded by his loving family.
Brown shared with CafeMom what it meant to her to be part of the Brentlingers' miracle.
"I'm so very happy they'll have these images for the rest of their lives and to show little Reagan as she grows older," said Brown. "I think it's so important to have nice images of the two of them, other than something taken on a cell phone that would most likely never get printed, and wouldn't be as nice in quality. Pictures last a lifetime."
Our hearts break for these brave parents, who only had the chance to know their sweet child for just a little while.
"They're extremely strong parents. Some of the strongest, kindest people I've ever met," Brown told CafeMom.
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The bond these twins formed in utero is undeniable, as evidenced by the photos Brown captured. These will undoubtedly provide comfort to Reagan as she grows.
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As Brown so eloquently wrote in her website's blog, "As I photographed them, I felt like I was in a daze on and off, just staring at him, not comprehending what was to come. 'Life is not fair,' kept replaying over and over in my head, as I snapped away. As he stared with wide eyes for most of the session, and as Reagan snoozed away. As if he was just taking it all in."
There seems like such wisdom in this baby's eyes, as if he knows his stay here will be short but packed with purpose and meaning. William passed away in his parents' arms 11 days after he was born.
As Brown so beautifully states, Reagan will always have an angel watching over her. And thanks to Brown's stunning images, Reagan will have these very special images to remember the brother she spent nine precious months beside.