Tatum + Tyler
There are few words that can describe what has happened in Tatum & Tyler’s life to bring them to this photo session. I’ve known Tatum since her quiet demeanor walked into the band room as a 6th grader, but this photo shoot was the first time I’d had the opportunity to meet the man who stole her heart. These two haven’t been married a full hand of fingers yet (though together for 10+) and they’ve already walked through devastating loss that you pray never touches your family or friends.
On June 12th of last year, Tatum & Tyler delivered their precious son, Tysen, without a heartbeat due to cord entanglement. They had dreams and plans for this sweet boy that were dashed as they realized he had gone home to his Heavenly Father far too soon. I’ve watched their story and all the ways they’ve marked and honored Tysen’s life play out on my Facebook feed, so when they announced they were expecting again, I rejoiced alongside their huge community of supporters. I think we’re all collectively holding our breath until this baby is safely on Tatum’s chest in a raucously celebratory delivery room full of his sweet cries.
Until then, we wait, hope, pray and love this incredible couple on their journey through parenthood and continue to tell Tysen’s story. For my part, I’m honored to help tell his story and his little brother’s story through imagery. Tatum brought a bag full of Tysen’s mementos and Tysen himself. That’s when the heaviness of what we were about to endeavor to accomplish hit my heart and a whole lotta “dust” got in my eyes.
Romans 12:15 encourages us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.” We started with the rejoicing in current Baby T’s life and then started to use some of Tysen’s momentos as we went along.
In the photo above, right as Tyler put his hands on Tatum’s belly, it was like a cue to Baby T to give a reassuring kick. His parents gave a sweet chuckle that “Baby T just kicked his brother.” Oh, to have joy and sorrow quite literally collide! Tatum is gaining skill in needlepoint and she’s taken small sweaters and embroidered “Lil Brother” and “Big Brother” for the teddy bears that each hold recordings of their children’s heartbeats.
The more you love, the more you grieve for “grief is love with no place to go.” That definition was offered to me at Hamilton’s Funeral Home that does such a loving and uplifting job as they work with families to care for their children who have passed whether in utero or out. In a season where such love and grief, excitement and fear collide, Tatum and Tyler have walked this road with such dignity & a sense of purpose for Tysen’s life, educating others by their example and resources they’ve provided to others walking a similar road. They are truly living by Proverbs 3:5-6 that says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Tatum & Tyler: Thank you for inviting me into a part of your story into parenthood. I am so impressed by your faith, strength, commitment to one another and all the work that you’re doing to keep Tysen’s life’s purpose front and center. You already know this, but when the fear and anxiety starts to creep in, be reassured that you are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses praying alongside you and your Heavenly Father has you in the palm of His hand. You never walk this journey alone.
Can’t wait to meet this sweet Baby T,
Carrie
PS You can view all of their session HERE.
Resources for families facing a similar loss: