By Madison Shepard Feeling both joy and grief simultaneously is difficult to live out. I have talked to a couple of my close friends before about experiencing the two individually, but that was in the wake of an early loss and a stillbirth; I had yet to have a living representation of both in my…

Caitlin SmileyMommy to BentleeCongenital Heart Defect, CVID#heartwarrior To say our sweet, beautiful boy changed our lives is an understatement. When we decided to try for a child, we were so blessed to conceive quickly and without trouble. Though, throughout my pregnancy, I was sick. So sick. Though throughout my pregnancy I was sick. So sick.…

I’m an empath. There’s a lot of hippie-dippy, flighty stuff associated with that word these days. Even googling the definition you’ll find references to science fiction and paranormal activity. But it’s a real thing. I don’t perform Vulcan mind melds or have special empath antenna like the bug-girl on Gardens of the Galaxy Vol. 2.…

“If it were not for hope, the heart would break.” – Scottish Proverb By Madison Shepard The month of January is difficult for me in more ways than one. For many people, New Year’s is a time to move on from things and have a fresh start. For me, it means birthdays for two of…

Dear Me,You do not know it yet, but you are going to face great loss. It will be loss too great to fully comprehend, and few will understand in any capacity, but I promise you will make it through. You are too naïve to realize it now but this loss, this trauma and heartbreak, will…

Tara MayesTara PhotographySt. Louis, MO Volunteer Sweet baby Milo was my very first session [for On Angels’ Wings]. I had no idea what to expect. I was so nervous. So scared I would somehow ruin these photos that this family would never have another chance at taking. You see, Milo was four months old and…

Ryker was born at 25 weeks gestation and spent several months in the NICU. On Angels’ Wings was there to capture his NICU graduation. His mom, Alex, a talented photographer, has since been a dedicated volunteer with the organization, giving precious photos to other families whose child is at risk. “I have learned so much…

Over the last seven-plus years, On Angels’ Wings has done over 600 photo sessions, working with over 500 families. My heart is with each one of them, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that some of them gain extra special places in my life. For some, it’s because I happen to be the…

In 2014, my husband Patrick and I welcomed our first child into the world. A beautiful little girl with pouty lips named Ellie. About a month before she was born, Patrick and I first heard the words that would shape our lives and the life of our daughter from that point forward: “Severe congenital heart…

Expanding one’s family is an exciting and amazing journey. For Russell and Victoria Parker, this was exactly what they had in mind.  The blessing of another child became a reality for the couple when they learned they would welcome a baby boy in early 2018. However, they were blindsided by a difficult diagnosis. “Along with…