One of things that I cherish most about being a photographer is the community of friends that I have made in this industry. I hope you’ve gotten to enjoy and experience even a taste of what I’m talking about! If you haven’t gotten to enjoy it yet, I hope you do soon!
I got an email from a reader sharing about a tragedy that has just struck a fellow photographer and asked me to share with all of you. This is what Lindsey said in her email to me. “I wanted to let you know about a photographer friend and her family. Her name is Erin Phillips with Erin Phillips Photography. Their little boy Ayden died in a pool accident on Friday June 17th. She buried him today (Thursday June 23rd). He was 3.5 years old. 🙁
I am asking that if anyone is led to give not only in prayers but financially to help this young family, please visit my blog. If you could share this with your followers either through a blog post on just on FB, I would greatly appreciate it. Erin is only 25 years old and is much too young to be burying a child. We are also asking prayers for her other son Caleb (6 years old). He is having a hard time as he not only lost a brother but a best friend. If you could pass this on, I would greatly appreciate it.”
Erin, my heart breaks for you. Having a three and six year old myself this tears at every part of my being. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I would love to hug you but since I can’t, I hope you won’t mind if I share my hug through a thought. As a Latter Day Saint, I believe that we are each here to be tried. This is part of the great plan, to be tried and tested and proved. We lived with our Father in Heaven before we came to Earth, then we come to Earth armed with the ability to make our own choices thanks to the atonement of our Savior and one day we will again return to Their presence. There are some who were so valiant, so pure – already proving such love before their earthly life ever even began that there time on this Earth would be short because they would not need to be tested. They were already so close to perfection. I’m sure as you think back on Ayden’s short but sweet life you feel and sense that perfection. He is home now, and he is waiting patiently for you.
Photographers… If you’d like to make a donation or offer a thought, you can go to Lindsey’s blog on Erin Phillips behalf.
Thank you for passing on the letter from fellow photographer… and thank you for sharing your thoughts as well. As a Latter-day Saint, I appreciate your (for lack of a better word) forwardness –that’s often a difficult balance.
Praying for all,
Jessica
Although I am not a Latter-Day Saint, I think that is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
I want to take a moment to thank you for sharing this with us. Not only because it provides us with an opportunity to help, but also because your “forwardness” (as mentioned above) helps to build our own courage with regard t such matters. I am so grateful for your strength and your willingness to share that strength with us. One of many reasons I love ya.
My prayers are with the family.