Quarterly Newsletter Issue 1, Volume 1

Winter 2014

Board of Directors President — Michelle L. Cramer

Vice Pres.— Tora Thompson Sect./Treasurer — Jackie Lawhon

Recipient liaison — Michelle Slavens Hospital Liaison—Bridgette Burnside

Introducing On Angels’ Wings By: Michelle L. Cramer Founder & President

Just over five years ago, my precious first born came into the world. A month later, there was a news broadcast about a na-tional organization that provided professional pictures for families who lost an infant during child birth, capturing those fleeting moments when they were all together before they had to let go completely. It changed my life. Though I later parted ways with that particular organization, I knew that I was destined to move – God had called me. He put a glorious vision in my head and an unquenchable passion in my heart. But, with that came the word: Wait. For nearly four years, I’ve been waiting; my passion growing, my vision expanding. The plans are monumental. Always I have reassurance from the Lord of how He’ll do amazing things, but still I must wait. I felt something was near when I met seven month old Logan Ruth in February 2013. There was just something about that precious boy. I had helped so many families to capture fleet-ing moments of a limited time together – but nothing had quite touched my heart the same way as Logan’s sweet laugh did.

And nothing made my heart hurt quite like the last time I saw him. In May of 2013, picking up on the warning signs that his battle with SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) was coming to an end, I reached out to his mom. I had the amazing honor of taking Logan’s pictures with his family just six days before he passed in his momma’s arms at just 10 months old. And a few days later, I attended his funeral. Not only as a sup-porter of this amazing family I’ve grown to respect and form a bound with, but to capture the last fleeting moments of his family and friends celebrating Logan’s amazing, impactful

and short life. And as I walked back to my car, I felt something change. I begged God: let this be Him tugging at my heart. And He answered: It is time. So, I starting the arduous journey of creating an organization that I believe in with every fiber of my being. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this is my calling. This is the passion God has given me – this is my mission – this is His ministry for which I am the vessel. In June of 2013, I started On Angels’ Wings (I think that says it all). The primary focus of the organization is providing profes-sional photographs capturing the joyful moments a family shares in the midst of crisis – losing a child – whether that be during childbirth, or losing a child to a genetic disorder (such as the SMA that took Logan’s body), child cancer, etc. Our services are offered from maternity to 18 years. But the reach goes beyond providing photographs (though cap-turing those memories will be priceless – and an honor). We also team up with organizations like M.E.N.D., local churches, area counselors, etc. to provide continued care and support for families suffering such an incredible loss. I also want to help spread the word about incurable conditions like SMA and help to raise funds for continued research. But, most of all, I want God to use me to show these families that he loves them so very much. That he’s holding them. That his plans are so much bigger than we could ever comprehend ...

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On Angels’ Wings Quarterly Newsletter Issue 1, Volume 1/ Winter 2014

Introducing On Angels’ Wings Continued from page 1

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Upcoming Events

(Jeremiah 29:11 – my personal motto), even in the midst of such immense pain. That children like Logan go through what they do because the impact of their experience on the world around them is far greater than any of us could hope to achieve living for 70+ years. I’m pacing myself and letting God’s timing and perfectly suited individuals fall into place slowly. As of the writing of this message, we have all but one position on the Board of Directors filled. We’re still looking for an Event Coordinator if anyone is interested. Please, prayerfully consider if this is something you’re supposed to be a part of. Take the time to discuss it with your most intimate confidants (spouse, closest friends and loved ones). This will not be something to step into lightly.

And, if you believe in this cause, but don’t feel called be one of the threads that pull it together, please prayerfully consider helping with support. The fee to register with the government as a non-profit organization is $400, not to mention the costs of keeping our organization running and to spread the word to the community. We run On Angels’ Wings by donation only – we don’t require photographers to pay a fee to be in-volved in our organization or anything of that nature. Regardless of how funds come in, I have no doubt the Lord will provide for our every need and only when the time is right. And, if nothing else, please pray. Pray for the right people. Pray for the right timing. Pray for doors to be opened and miraculous things to occur. And pray for lives to be touched and impacted in amazing ways.

Paddle Party Fundraiser

March 7th, 6:00pm-8:00pm

$10 entry fee, 15 Vendors

At Battlefield Lanes Meeting Room

Eternal Image Photography Mini Sessions

April 12th, various session times all day

$65 donation includes 30 min. session & 10 image files

More info on the event page at fb.com/eternalimagephoto

All funds raised go to OAW!

Woman in Business Shopping Event

April 26th, 10:00am-7:00pm & April 27th, 10:00am-5:00pm

Springfield EXPO Center

On Angels’ Wings will have a donation-only photo booth!

For more info: wibshoppingevent.com

5K & Carnival

Fall 2014

We’re working to plan a 5K and a special carnival for the

community. Stay tuned for more info, coming soon!

Kamry Thompson “Super Girl”

October 15-24, 2014

Trisomy 13

Araya Keeler (big bro Wyatt)

Trisomy 18

Big girl just turned 5

months old in January!

Recipient Recap

Lexi Smith 23 months

Recently diagnosed

with and undergoing

chemo for Leukemia.

On Angels’ Wings Quarterly Newsletter Issue 1, Volume 1/ Winter 2014

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Board of Directors Spotlight Jackie Lawhon, Secretary & Treasurer

Once Jackie Lawhon discovered the On Angels’ Wings Facebook page through a friend, she found herself coming back to it over and over again. The images and posts kept drawing her in. “One comment said they had lost a child and the only thing they have left is the pictures,” she recalls. “Something in that stuck with me and I wanted to help these families. I get to look at my children every day and kiss them goodnight while others just have the memories of these precious moments.” When it was posted on the page that OAW was looking for people to fill volunteer positions on the board, Jackie applied. “I remember praying that even if I didn't get a position on the board that I would in some ca-pacity be able to help, and I knew that this would change my life.” After meeting with Jackie, it didn’t take long to figure out that her skills, and dedication, were just what OAW was looking for. Jackie received a Bachelors in Business Administration from Drury in May of 2013 and is the Director of Finance at BluCurrent Credit Union, where she started as a teller nine years ago. As such, she holds a dual role on the OAW Board of Directors, serving as both Secretary and Treasurer for the organization. “I feel blessed to be a part of an organization that can help give some joy in such a difficult time for these families.”

Jackie and her husband, Rob, have been married for eight years. They went to prom together in high school and lost contact for a couple of years before reconnecting, so they have both a prom picture and a wedding picture. Their son Gavin, who is six, started kindergarten this year. He enjoys legos and loves sports, including golf. Their little girl, Kyla, is three, and like most adorable prin-cesses, loves Barbies, dress-up and singing. The Lawhons love spending time as a family, whether it’s just the four of them playing all day at the park in the summer or watching football together in the cold season, or their nearly monthly trips to Jackie’s sister’s in Kansas City. Jackie has been attending Lake Hills Church in Ozark since the begin-ning of 2012. “Looking back at when I started attending church I was at a very low point in my life. I felt God calling me to Him. That was the year my husband started having seizures and was hospitalized mul-tiple times. It was the scariest time in our lives and through those times it brought me closer to God. I could have only made it through with my strong faith and relationship with God.” Since that time, things have drastically improved in her life, including her husband being sei-zure free for the last year. “I am amazed when I look back at the dark-est moments in my life and know that God was the one that was there, blessing us even in those moments.” Part of her giving spirit when it comes to On Angels’ Wings is to do her part in helping recipients see that God is also there for them in what feels like their darkest hour. She looks forward to what’s ahead for the organization and that she gets to play a part in it. “In my own life, these families have helped me become a better mother – to remember when I am frustrated or annoyed with my children that these families would give anything to be frustrated or annoyed with their children. Even in those moments I feel blessed.”

OAW Merchandise

On Angels’ Wings Necklace

$7.50 shipped

Silver, Black or Copper options (each available with white or orange insert)

Email order to flyfreelittleone@gmail.com

Or send payment to friend/family through

Paypal to the same email address with your

selections.

On Angels’ Wings Quarterly Newsletter Issue 1, Volume 1/ Winter 2014

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Photographer Spotlight

Tora Thompson

Studio IV T Photography

OAW Vice President

Tora Thompson is the owner and operator of Studio IV T Photography out of Fair Grove, MO. And you wouldn’t know by looking at her amazing work that she’s been doing this photography thing for less than five years. “My husband wanted me to have a nice camera so I could take pictures of our son,” Tora recalls. “I did one 6 month ‘session’ with him and was so irritated with myself because I knew I could make them look better. Mind you, I had never researched lighting, camera setting, or anything before this. I'm one who always has to outdo myself, so it just went from there and became an obsession. I memorized books, manuals, webpages, videos, classes, every-thing I could find.” Tora pursued more knowledge in the realm of photography with absolutely no intention of doing anything other than taking pictures of her children. But she started getting requests for sessions from people outside her family. Her hus-band, Leif, saw what she was capable of and encouraged her to pursue more. “He really helped me see that this is what I was meant to be doing and that I should continue at it 100%. All of this has been thanks to Leif. He surprised me with the camera, he picked me up along the way when I couldn't figure out how to do something with the camera, and then supported me in making the decision to do this and only this. He's been my biggest motivation and I really couldn't have gotten this far without him.” Tora and Leif have been married for six years. Their oldest son, CJ, will be five this summer, and Anthony will be two at the end of May. They are a very outdoorsy family; they love to four-wheel and hike together. Leif is serving overseas with the Missouri National Guard and when he returns, they plan to take a three to four week camping trip across the country. “Outside of photo-graphing everything I possibly can, I am a bit of a green thumb. I love my garden and flowers. I also paint, and play the guitar and dulcimer.” Tora came across On Angels’ Wings just a couple of months after it officially started. “I found the OAW Facebook page and read through posts and then came across the photos. I am not a crier, but when I came across an image of a father dancing with his baby girl, I cried for 3 hours straight. I had to do something. It ate at me every day I didn't contact OAW. All I could bring to the table was a camera and a big heart, and I hoped and prayed that was enough. I literally stared at my computer waiting for a reply to my application and I cried at the thought of not being accepted (as silly as that sounds).” Before she was even officially accepted, Tora had it in the works to help OAW in any way she could. She put together a Facebook auction of some of her fine art prints to raise funds for the organization without any prompting from anyone. Her passion for OAW was clear. Tora’s first session with On Angels’ Wings was pictures of Araya and her family in September. She admits that she was nervous because she wasn’t certain how to approach the family – she didn’t want to ignore the reason for the session, but she also wanted the family to have a chance to forget about it for a little bit and simply enjoy each other. “I was taken aback by the family. They were so positive, and wonderful – it blew my mind. To be in that situation, it being your child, and you still find the strength to smile, laugh, and joke.... it was an eye opener. I could only hope to have a fraction of their strength. To be around these amazing families, who have gone through so much, you literally run home to grab your family and never let go, and you find yourself appreciating what you have even more.” And it was because of this passion and devotion to On Angels’ Wings that, when the Vice President position opened on the Board of Directors in Novem-ber, there was no question about who it should be offered to. And there was little hesitation from Tora to accept. “I was speechless. Literally. I couldn't talk, type, nothing. I know there is a reason behind all things that happen in life. Becoming VP was never even on my radar and when I was approached about it, I was taken aback. I never ex-pected to be given this opportunity. I am just so excited to be so involved in this amazing organization. We are a family, and a great one at that…. and now I’m a big cry baby.”

Photo by Ron McGinnis (ronmcginnis.com)

On Angels’ Wings Quarterly Newsletter Issue 1, Volume 1/ Winter 2014

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Partner Organization Spotlight M.E.N.D. Mommies Enduring

Neonatal Death

The Southwest Missouri Chapter of M.E.N.D. (Mommies Enduring Neo-natal Death) was started in September of 2009 by Chapter Director, Heather Fann. The organization provides monthly support group meetings for mommies and daddies of babies in Heaven – the families that attend experience the loss of a child any time from conception through up to one year old. Heather first encountered the MEND organization while living in Dallas. In 2003, she and her husband lost their first child, Caleb Scott, at 32-weeks, and they recognized that they needed help and support from peo-ple who had been through a similar experience. They were members in Dallas for three years, including during their 2004 loss of their second child, Baby August, at 8-weeks. “I knew I’d start a chapter as soon as the Lord opened the doors,” Heather says. “After returning to the Ozarks and serving as the organization’s newsletter editor for 18-months, we welcomed our miracle baby, Madison Grace. After learning how to be a mom to a new-born, God opened the doors and we began helping parents just like us nearly six years after our initial loss.” In addition to monthly meetings, MEND hosts two recognition ceremonies each year: a breakfast and balloon release for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month in October, and a Christmas Candlelight Ceremony in December (both of which On Angels’ Wings photographs for the organization). MEND is always in great need of funding, since the organiza-tion is run by volunteers and all of the services and events are free to families in need.

Heather hopes that MEND will continue to reach families through the local hospital systems and meet them as soon in their grief journey as possible. “It’s a long road—this grief journey—but it is very rewarding when you can see the Lord use something so painful to bring hope and peace to others through your shared experiences.”

Meetings

Support Group – 1st Thursday each month from 7:00-9:00 PM

Held at Project Hope (1419 S. Enterprise Ave in Springfield)

Food & Fellowship – 3rd Tuesday each month at 7:00 PM

Contact Heather

heather@mend.org

(417) 818-0489

How You Can Help!

Become a Member of the

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors are volunteer po-

sitions. We are still looking for an Event

Coordinator to take the reigns in organiz-

ing events . If interested, send an email to

flyfreelittleone@gmail.com and we’ll

send you an application.

Volunteer Your Time

We’re always looking for more talented

professional photographers to take pictures

of our recipient families. And we always

have room for volunteers at fundraising

events. If interested, send an email to

flyfreelittleone@gmail.com and we’ll send

you an application.