In the aftermath of profound grief, a couple found themselves on a path to healing through the arrival of not one, but two rainbow babies. A year following the tragic loss of their newborn son, Daniel, Patrick and Laura Simmons received a life-changing phone call. They were presented with an opportunity to adopt a baby boy who was soon to be born. Just a day after this unexpected call, the biological mother went into labor, and in August 2015, baby Leo became the first rainbow baby and a welcomed addition to their family.
The Simmons family sought the expertise of photographer Mia Thompson from Birth Unspeakable, having previously collaborated with her during Laura’s pregnancy with Daniel. Laura shared with Parenting Chronicles that being present in the hospital for Leo’s birth felt like a “full circle” moment since he was born in the same hospital as Daniel, with many of the same caring staff in attendance.
“Leo marked the beginning of our family’s journey toward healing and hope, the start of our rainbow,” Mia expressed in a message to Parenting Chronicles.
In the months leading up to Leo’s adoption, Laura discovered she was pregnant again. The joy of having a healthy newborn at home offered a much-needed distraction from the overwhelming emotions that accompanied a subsequent pregnancy following loss. “Leo was a tremendous blessing,” Laura said. “He initiated our healing process.”
During Laura’s pregnancy, they were informed that they were expecting a girl, but fate had another surprise in store. In March 2016, Laura gave birth to a baby boy named Wyatt, marking the arrival of their second rainbow baby within just a year.
The Simmons family, who also have an 8-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son, once again turned to Mia and her partner, Sarah Williams, to capture the essence of their experience through a poignant photo shoot. Having worked as a midwife, Laura was familiar with the emotional significance of rainbow babies but initially lacked a defined vision for the photo. Mia, however, played a crucial role in conceptualizing the image, which surpassed Laura’s expectations.
“Laura told me they symbolize the rainbow at the end of their storm,” Mia shared in a heartfelt post. “We aimed to create an image that represented all three brothers: the one they lost, the one they adopted, and the one they welcomed into their lives.”
In the touching photograph, the two babies were positioned at either end of a vibrant rainbow, surrounded by soft clouds, with a butterfly hovering above to honor Daniel. The image resonates deeply with any parent who has endured a miscarriage or stillbirth, and the sight of two rainbow babies—one through adoption and the other through birth—alongside the butterfly symbolizing their lost child, evokes powerful emotions.
“It has been a long and arduous journey for their family,” Mia noted. “This image serves as a reminder of the many blessings that emerged from their storm and that their cherished son Daniel will forever remain in their hearts.”
Laura emphasized the importance of discussing loss with grieving families. Although many people often avoid mentioning the loss, fearing it might deepen the pain, she believes that talking about their loved ones helps keep their memories alive.
She also reflected on the ever-changing seasons of life. With Patrick recently undergoing surgery for a tumor in his leg, the family is once again navigating a challenging phase, but the renewed interest in their story provides encouragement during tough times. “There will always be difficult seasons,” Laura remarked. “But there will also be more rainbows.”
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In summary, the story of the Simmons family serves as a poignant reminder of hope and resilience amid grief. Their journey illustrates the beauty of healing through the arrival of rainbow babies, helping to foster conversations around loss and remembrance.
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