She passed away

**Photo Phil** · #1 (**permalink**) 14-01-2008, 08:06 PM

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I was asked by the parents of this little angel to photograph her in her final moments. Sadly she passed away 20 minutes later. She was just 42 months old. She had a rare form of lukemia and her parents have asked me to bring any form of childrens terminal condition to the attention of the masses. With their permission I have bought this image to the internet, not for any personal critique, or comment on photographic technique, but more to try and understand why these little angels are slipping through our fingers whilst we spend our time and money fighting wars, and being derogatory to any race, colour or religion lesser than ouselves. This image was taken less than 4 hours from the time of this upload, and right now my heart is with the brave parents.

Hippy-Di · #2 (**permalink**) 14-01-2008, 08:41 PM

My heart too is with the parents, I know that this is a photo that they will always treasure.

Your comments are very poigniant and true and may I say very sensitively written.

Diane

**Dennyboy** · #3 (**permalink**) 14-01-2008, 08:48 PM

I have been to hell and back with my daughter, adoption (i adopted her), drugs, drink and pregnancy, she has left home and she is still only seventeen now. But i still have her, and i am crying while writing this its so sad.

Nothing else to add, dont know how you took the photo mate hats off to you i couldnt have. Made me think how lucky i am, everything you say is so true.

cyclone · #4 (**permalink**) 14-01-2008, 09:30 PM

Phil, you have just done a very difficult photojournalism job.
Hopefully in time to come things like this wont happen and your photo will be a distant memory of how things were.
If this is the case then you have done a service, you request no crit and it isn't required.
I cannot really add any more to what has already been said, other than I will go to bed feeling lucky to be alive and knowing my own problems are very small compared to other people.

pete478 · #5 (**permalink**) 14-01-2008, 10:42 PM

A tragic loss of such a young life. My heart goes out to the parents suffering the loss of their child. I hope cures are found that can stop such suffering. This image puts life into perspective.

MTS · #6 (**permalink**) 15-01-2008, 12:13 AM

Very poignant image. How hard it must of been for you to take this but it is a fine gift to the grieving parents. I think their message is heard loud and clear but gosh this is so sad. One can only hope that cures for these insidious diseases will soon be found. Mary

fayswon · #7 (**permalink**) 15-01-2008, 02:18 AM

I've observed parents go thru this and I still come no closer to how they recover...but for the most part they do in some way, the best they can.

I consider myself strong in many way but I just can't fathom how this would be.

whatt · #8 (**permalink**) 15-01-2008, 03:44 AM

Hi Phil .. I just not sure of what to say .. I know what it is to lose a grandchild .. and I know what the parents must be going through. It brings back all kinds of memories of almost 16 years ago, like it was just yesterday. Hard to think when I have so much emotion running through me. My condolences to the parents.
Else

Mausue · #9 (**permalink**) 15-01-2008, 04:46 AM

Life is so fragile and transient. I've got a 2 and 3 year old and and my heart goes out to the parents. I also have a 15 and 24year old and feel very privileged to have shared so many happy, healthy years with them.

Your words are so true and as Di said so sensitively written.
How brave of the parents to want you to do this and how selfless of you to follow it through.

Joseph Carmichael · #10 (**permalink**) 15-01-2008, 09:28 AM

Very sad Phil, and a lovely last photo.

Cheers