In 2011, Jenna and Mark Thompson were overjoyed to learn they were expecting twins. Sadly, their joy turned to heartbreak when Jenna went into preterm labor at just 23 weeks. Although the twins were born with heartbeats, they couldn’t breathe independently and sadly passed away within days.
The profound grief that comes with losing a child is something many of us cannot fully comprehend, as we haven’t had to face that pain. How does one navigate such a loss? How does healing begin? For Jenna and Mark, honoring the lives of their twins, Noah and Lucas, has been a vital part of their journey. The couple created a memory wall in their home, featuring footprints and shadow boxes filled with their tiny outfits. Yet, they sought another way to celebrate their children — through a family portrait.
Photographer Clara Mayfield, owner of Mayfield Imagery, crafted a breathtaking image that allowed the family to include all their children in one photograph. Clara shared that she used the shadows of a nearby child to capture this beautiful moment. The Thompsons posed with their arms outstretched, and the result is simply stunning.
While I can’t imagine the pain of seeing my children taken from me so soon, I’ve faced my own heartache through several miscarriages, including one at 12 weeks. The loss of something so deeply cherished, even if only for a short time, is a wound that doesn’t easily heal. This image serves as a poignant reminder that our children remain a part of us, no matter how brief their time with us.
Discussing loss can be incredibly difficult. Friends and family often struggle to find the right words, which can lead them to avoid the topic altogether, fearing it might reopen wounds. However, this photograph flips that narrative. It exclaims, “Recognize my children! While they may not be here physically, their presence is always with me.” It’s truly a beautiful tribute.
According to the blog, Jenna wears a necklace that contains some of her boys’ ashes and has their footprints tattooed on her arm. Each year, on Noah’s and Lucas’s birthday, the family celebrates with cupcakes and reflection. Their memory wall features molded footprints and shadow boxes filled with mementos. In every shadow of sorrow, there is also a glimmer of light.
Jenna works as a pediatric nurse and is part of the bereavement committee at her hospital. She uses her experience to assist other families in their grief, and I believe this image will inspire many to remember and honor the children they have lost. If you’re interested in more about home insemination, check out this informative post on intracervical insemination. For additional resources on pregnancy, visit Kindbody’s blog, which offers many insights, or learn more about at-home insemination kits from Make a Mom.
In summary, Jenna and Mark’s story is a touching reminder of the love that persists even after loss. Through beautiful tributes like their family photo, they honor the memory of their twins, Noah and Lucas, showing us all the importance of remembrance in healing.