Losing a child is a devastating experience, and for Erika and Stephen, the grief of losing their daughter Glory Bee was compounded by the uncertainty that comes with a silent miscarriage. During this unimaginable time, they were offered the opportunity to capture their daughter’s brief life through bereavement photography. What they didn’t realize at the time was how deeply those photos would become a part of their grief journey—offering not just a way to remember, but a tangible connection to their daughter.
In this blog post, Erika shares the profound impact these photos have had on her and her family, and why she encourages other parents facing similar loss to consider bereavement photography.
What Bereavement Photography Meant to Erika and Stephen
At the time of Glory’s loss, Erika wasn’t sure if she wanted photographs taken. But the offer to capture those moments would prove to be an invaluable gift.
“These photos mean everything to me,” Erika shares. “They’re the only photos I’ll ever have of her.”
The ability to see Glory’s tiny features—the nose, the fingers, the eyes—has provided Erika and Stephen with a lasting reminder of her presence. It has also validated their grief, helping them process the profound loss of a child they had only been able to carry for 16 weeks.
“It’s easy to question if your grief is valid compared to other parents who experience loss later,” Erika reflects. “But when I look at her photos, I see her fully formed features. I see her worth. Those photos remind me she is worth every tear, every memory, and every moment of grieving.”
The Photos That Matter Most
While every image from Glory’s session is precious, there is one that stands out: a photo of her tiny body placed beside Erika’s wedding ring.
“This photo is especially dear to me,” Erika explains. “It’s a simple yet meaningful image, showing how small and fragile Glory was, yet how deeply she was loved.”
Having these photographs has helped Erika and Stephen hold onto Glory’s memory. They plan to display her photo alongside those of her future siblings—creating a permanent, cherished spot in their home for their daughter.
How These Photos Helped in the Grief Journey
For Erika, grief often felt like an overwhelming emotion that was difficult to process. However, seeing Glory’s photos has provided her with a sense of comfort and affirmation of the life she lost.
“Sometimes, I start to doubt my right to grieve,” she admits. “But when I look at her photos, I remember that she was an entire baby. She deserves to be mourned, remembered, and loved.”
The photos have given Erika a tangible connection to Glory, especially on the days when grief feels most intense. They serve as a reminder that her daughter, though she may never grow old, was a real, valuable life—a life worth celebrating.
A Special Gift: Why Bereavement Photography is Worth It
Erika’s experience with bereavement photography came as a gift—something that she deeply appreciates. The session was offered to her at no cost, a blessing that allowed her family to capture memories of Glory without the added burden of expense.
“The kindness we received through the gift of our photography session is something we will never forget,” Erika shares. “It was a huge blessing to our family.”
For parents considering bereavement photography, Erika offers simple but powerful advice:
“I would encourage you to do it. You can always choose not to look at the photos right away or ever again. But if you decide not to have them taken, you’ll never get the chance to capture those moments again.”
The Mourning Forecast’s Support
Erika’s journey with grief didn’t stop with the photography session. The Mourning Forecast has been there for her from the very beginning, offering ongoing support and understanding.
“Before there was The Mourning Forecast, there was Susan,” Erika says. “She dug me out of the trenches day after day during my grief. I can’t thank her enough for the way she helped me cope and heal.”
Through Susan’s guidance and the community of The Mourning Forecast, Erika has felt supported as she navigates the pain of loss.
How You Can Help
This Giving Tuesday, The Mourning Forecast is working to raise $7,500 to provide bereavement photography sessions to 25 families in 2025. For families like Erika and Stephen, these photographs are an invaluable gift—a way to remember, honor, and celebrate their babies.
Your donation helps ensure that no family has to face their grief without support or the opportunity to create lasting memories.
💛 Donate now: Click Here to Donate
🦋 Together, we can ensure that no family feels alone in their grief journey. Let’s work together to honor and celebrate the precious lives of babies like Glory Bee.
The beautiful image of Glory Bee featured in this post was generously shared by her family, with their permission, to help raise awareness about the importance of bereavement photography. These photos are a treasured part of their healing journey, and we are honored to share them in hopes of offering support to others who are grieving.
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