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I was standing outside of the delivery room with my camera along with Father Rick and we were both gowned up in case we were needed during delivery. Tracy’s one small request was that she wanted me in the delivery room if there was any risk of losing Linkin prior to being baptized. All of a sudden, a nurse—from behind me, placed a bonnet on my head and said “you guys are going in.” We entered the delivery room after what appeared to be seconds after Linkin entered this world. I began photographing the baptism and then some images as Dennis helped cut the umbilical cord. Then, we were whisked away so the doctors and nurses could finish up their work. They cleaned up Linkin and brought him out to another room where Father Rick Wendell, Dennis and myself were waiting.

I had deep compassion for Tracy and Dennis, and that along with the adrenaline rush kept me going strong. Soon Tracy and Dennis were together with Linkin. Also, their other children; big sister Alexis—the oldest, Dawson, Xavier and Jada were present. What I witnessed was pure love as I photographed the family together and separately with Linkin. The grandparents were there too as well as all of Tracy and Dennis's siblings. It was a wonderful family—full of love and compassion. I photographed everyone. I could not photograph fast enough. After all, isn’t my job to preserve memories? Of course it is. It’s the reason I get up every day and do what I do—with love. At this point, I had been at the hospital for almost 8 hours and had created over 214 images, and little Linkin—”The Littlest Soldier” had been hanging in there. He was tough and was fighting for as much time as he could get to be with his family. At about 2:30PM I had asked if there was anything else they needed from me. We said goodbye and I left the hospital room knowing Linkin may not live through the night. As I walked outside and made it to my van, I broke down. I wanted to be strong for them, but I couldn’t hold it any longer. I lost it. I went home, and off to another 12 hour shift at my Security job.

Linkin made it through the night and Sunday as well. He fought leaving for 49 and 1/2 hours. And each moment on earth was cherished by his mommy, daddy, brothers and sisters, grandparents and his entire family. He went home to heaven at 12PM on Monday, October 6, 2008. As soon as I got the word, I made arrangements to return to the hospital and capture final images of Linkin, “The Littlest Soldier” with Mom and Dad, his big brothers and sisters, grandma and grandpa and his aunts, uncles and cousins. Definitely a family of love, support and compassion.

Below are some words I wrote down after being up 47 hours and after Linkin went to heaven. These words came pouring out of my heart and I was compelled to put them on paper and give them to Tracy and Dennis for some consolation in my own small way. Like the Little Drummer Boy  -  it’s all I had to give.

A Letter From Linkin...

“Dear Mommy, Daddy,  Alexis, Dawson, Xavier and Jada,

I had to write you and tell you some things that are on my heart. I know you are sad now. It’s okay. Can I tell you something? I could never have picked a better family to be in. Why? Because you are all my heroes!

You see, you could have chosen many options on what would happen to me. You did what God wanted you to do. He is so proud of you for the courage you showed. He has never left your side.

No my dear mother and father, you will not be on the news, no movie will be made nor a book written about you. But you have shown to the world that I was important enough to bring into the world. You made a difference. You wanted to see me so we could be together  -  if only for a short time. I could never thank you enough for the sacrifice you made for me. I know you will have questions as to why this had to happen. Trust me, you will know - when we are reunited again. Although I was not with you long, I would not change a moment of it. I felt your love, your gentle touch and your prayers. You stayed strong for me knowing full well that I had to leave all too soon. Please know that I am okay. I am with other children who welcomed me home. We are all playing together...and we are happy. Would you believe that God has me working already? I have an important job to do — to watch over each of you! I know you will not forget me and I will be with you at every moment of your lives to help you.

Alexis, thank you for being my big sister. I was in your arms for only brief moments but even though our visit was short, you still loved me anyway and that’s all that matters. I will watch over you in a special way. Be a good girl for Mommy and Daddy. Thanks for holding me and the kisses. I will treasure them.

Dawson and Xavier...both of you were super big brothers and I got lots of hugs and kisses from you guys. Don’t be sad that I’m not on earth with you. I’ll still be with you each and every moment of your lives, during your sporting events, when you learn how to drive a car, even on your first dates...everything. I’m so happy that I had some time with both of you.

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