Emerson : Milestones in the Hospital
By Kyle CrowDaddy to EmersonCongenital Heart Defect / Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)Born July 2022 Toward the end of my wife’s pregnancy, we went in for an ECV procedure. Our unborn daughter, Emerson, was breech and this procedure was an attempt to flip her since her due date was only three weeks away. During the procedure…
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March 6, 2021
Eden: Miracle Girl
By: SamanthaMommy to EdenTrisomy 18OAW journey sessions since 2015 Eden was born at 37 weeks and 6 days in May of 2012 via c-section. We didn’t know anything was wrong with her. She sounded strong but was in fact suffering. Eden was screaming because she couldn’t breath and was trying to catch her breath. We…
March 4, 2021
Joy & Grief
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…

February 2, 2021
Bentlee: From The Heart
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.…

January 22, 2021
The Vision
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.…

January 22, 2021
Hope
“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…
December 18, 2020
Dear Me…
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…
December 11, 2020
My First Session: Tara Photography
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…

October 2, 2020
Alex and Ryker
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…

August 3, 2020
When None of it Makes Sense….
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…

March 12, 2020
Ellie: Connection Through Heartbreaking Realities
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…