After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of their son, a family found joy in welcoming not one, but two rainbow babies. Following the tragic passing of their baby boy, Evan, shortly after birth, Sarah and Mike Thompson received an unexpected call about a baby boy in need of a loving family. Just a day after that call, the baby’s mother went into labor, and in July 2015, baby Leo — their first rainbow baby — became a part of their family.
The Thompsons reached out to photographer Julie Carter of Birth Unscripted, who had previously worked with them during Sarah’s pregnancy with Evan, to capture Leo’s birth. Sarah shared that being in the same hospital where Evan was born felt like a healing moment, especially since many of the familiar nurses were present. “Leo marked the start of our journey toward healing and hope, the dawn of our rainbow,” Julie conveyed in a message.
Shortly before adopting Leo, Sarah discovered she was pregnant again. While she felt grateful for the healthy baby in her arms, she also acknowledged that the chaos of caring for a newborn helped distract her from the intense emotions surrounding her pregnancy after loss. “Having Leo was a tremendous blessing,” Sarah reflected. “He initiated our healing process.”
As Sarah’s pregnancy progressed, the family was informed they were expecting a girl. However, in a delightful twist, Sarah gave birth to a second son, named Jason, in February 2016 — their second rainbow baby arrived within a year.
Once again, the Thompsons collaborated with Julie and her partner, Samantha Lee, to create a touching photo shoot that would encapsulate their journey. With Sarah’s background as a midwife, she had guided many parents through the grief of miscarriage and infant loss, but she didn’t have a specific vision for the photo. Julie took the lead in crafting a concept that surpassed Sarah’s expectations. “They are truly the rainbows that emerged after our storm,” Julie noted. “We aimed to capture the essence of all three brothers — one lost, one adopted, and one born.”
The poignant photograph features the two baby boys positioned at either end of a rainbow, surrounded by fluffy clouds, with a butterfly hovering above to symbolize Evan. For any parent who has endured the pain of miscarriage or stillbirth, the emotions tied to a rainbow baby’s arrival are profound, and this image—representing both an adopted and a biological child—alongside the butterfly in honor of Evan, pulls at the heartstrings of many.
“It has been a long journey for their family,” Julie mentioned. “This image serves as a reminder of the blessings that awaited them after their storm and that sweet baby Evan will always be remembered.”
Sarah expressed the importance of discussing loss openly with grieving families. Often, people avoid the topic, fearing it may cause more pain. However, she emphasized that families are living with their grief daily, and talking about their loved ones helps keep their memories alive.
Additionally, Sarah noted the ever-changing seasons of life. Recently, Mike faced a medical challenge when a tumor in his leg was removed, plunging the family into another tough period. Yet, she believes the renewed interest in their story has supported them through this challenging time. “Difficult seasons will always be a part of life,” Sarah said. “But there will also be another rainbow.”
For more insights on navigating the journey of parenthood and loss, consider visiting our post about the artificial insemination kit for those looking to expand their families. Resources like those found at Mount Sinai can offer invaluable support, especially for those who may be facing pregnancy complications, such as detailed in this article from Intracervical Insemination.
In summary, the heartwarming story of the Thompsons illustrates the resilience of love and hope after loss. The arrival of their rainbow babies symbolizes healing and the continuation of their family journey.