When Tori and Brantley faced the unimaginable loss of their son, John Brantley, their care team encouraged them to have bereavement photographs taken. At first, they didn’t know just how significant those photos would become. Today, those images are their most cherished memories—a way to honor, celebrate, and remember their perfect baby boy.
Capturing Precious Memories
For Tori and Brantley, the photographs of John Brantley are everything. “These are the only photo memories I will ever have of my son,” Tori shared. “They help me to remember him.” The photos, taken shortly after his passing, provide a tangible connection to their baby and a way to keep his memory alive.
One photo, in particular, stands out to them. In it, John Brantley’s tiny hands are clasped near his face in a pose that mirrors his 3D ultrasound images. “It’s my favorite because he just looks like a baby that’s sleeping,” Tori said.
Navigating Grief with Joy and Heartache
Seeing the photos for the first time was bittersweet. “They are equally joyful and heartbreaking,” Tori admitted. “It is a reality where joy and grief coexist.” Despite the pain, the photos have helped her process her loss. “Sometimes my mind can’t comprehend the loss I’ve experienced, and seeing the pictures helps me feel that my son is real.”
The images are not just a way to remember John Brantley—they affirm his place in their family. “One of the things that mattered to me was that people treat him like a baby, even though he had passed away. So having newborn pictures is really special,” Tori explained.
Keeping John Brantley’s Memory Alive
For Tori and Brantley, bereavement photography has become a vital part of honoring their son’s memory. The photos are displayed in a scrapbook that friends and family often look through, creating opportunities to share John Brantley’s story and celebrate his life.
“Having the pictures further reinforces that he is my baby and deserves to be celebrated and remembered,” Tori shared.
A Message to Other Parents
Tori encourages other parents facing similar loss to consider bereavement photography. “These are precious memories that you will never regret having. Get as many as you can so that you will have them to look back on,” she said. “Your baby still deserves to be loved on and treated like a baby even though they’ve passed away.”
The Role of The Mourning Forecast
Through their journey, Tori and Brantley found solace in The Mourning Forecast’s mission. “Their social media presence has been so helpful in my grieving process,” Tori shared. “They are personal, compassionate, empathetic, and kind. I am forever thankful for the work they do and the awareness they bring.”
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 Tori and Brantley, 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 make a difference for families like Tori and Brantley.
The photo of John Brantley was shared by his family, Tori and Brantley, with their kind permission for use in this campaign. We are deeply grateful for their bravery in sharing his memory to support other families of loss.
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