In 2011, Emily Larson and her partner eagerly anticipated the arrival of twins. However, at just 23 weeks, preterm labor struck, leading to the heartbreaking birth of their twins. Despite having heartbeats, the twins, who were named Liam and Noah, could not breathe independently and tragically only survived for a few days.
The profound grief that follows the loss of a child is something that many cannot fully comprehend, as most of us are fortunate enough to avoid such a devastating experience. How does one come to terms with the loss of a child? How does healing begin? For Emily and her partner, honoring their twins’ brief lives is a way to cope with their sorrow. They have created a memory wall in their home dedicated to Liam and Noah, featuring their tiny footprints and shadow boxes containing their preemie outfits. In addition to this, they sought to commemorate their twins in an even more meaningful way—through a family photograph.
Photographer Sarah Mitchell, the owner of Sunshine Photography, crafted a stunning image that allowed the family to finally include all of their children in one photo. Using the shadows of their 5-year-old neighbor, the Larsons posed with outstretched arms, creating a breathtaking visual representation of their family.
“I can’t imagine the pain of holding your children only to lose them so soon,” Emily shared. “While I have faced my own losses, including a miscarriage at 10 weeks, I understand the heartache of nurturing something so precious, only to have it taken away.” It’s a poignant reminder that children, regardless of how long they are physically with us, hold a permanent place in our hearts.
Discussing loss can be incredibly difficult, and often friends and loved ones struggle to find the right words, inadvertently distancing themselves from those grieving. This image defies that tendency, powerfully proclaiming, “Acknowledge my children. Though they may not be here, they will forever remain part of our family.” It’s a truly beautiful sentiment.
In an interview with Babycenter, Emily revealed that she wears a necklace containing some of her boys’ ashes and has a tattoo of their footprints. On Liam’s and Noah’s birthday, the family celebrates with cupcakes, ensuring that their memory lives on. Emily’s experience as a pediatric ICU nurse has led her to serve on the bereavement committee at her hospital, using her journey to support others facing similar pain. This photograph serves as a gentle reminder for many families that it’s entirely acceptable to remember and celebrate the children they have lost.
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In summary, Emily Larson and her partner have honored the memory of their twins, Liam and Noah, through a meaningful family photograph that celebrates their lives. The image serves as a powerful reminder that love and remembrance endure, even in the face of profound loss.