Four years ago, life was like a fairy tale for Katy and her husband. Katy was carrying twins and the parents couldn’t be more overjoyed. Tragically, contractions began after just 23 weeks — and while the twin babies’ hearts did beat when they were born, tiny Aiden and Gavin ultimately only got to spend a few days on this earth. The parents never got the chance to see their twin sons grow up, but both never left their hearts or minds. To forever remember and cherish their time on earth, the parents hung a painting up in their home with the footprints of their two lost angels. But they also felt a need for their other two children, baby Giuliana and 3-year-old Ava, to ‘know’ their brothers a little bit more and somehow stand side by side with them. Katy contacted photographer Linda Gittins, and with the help of her 4-year-old neighbor’s kids, they figured out a beautiful way to make this happen. Even though Aiden and Gavin could not physically be in the photo, the family figured out this beautiful way to capture their spirits — and keep them abundantly alive. I think you will understand when you see the picture, which has understandably spread by the tens of thousands in recent days. Needless to say, this went straight to my heart.
Last year, the Patten family celebrated the most recent addition to their family when little Giuliana was born. But their hearts will forever be burdened by the loss of their twin boys Aiden and Gavin, who passed away in 2011.
Together with their eldest daughter, 3-year-old Ava, the beautiful family decided to shoot some portraits of themselves. Here’s a shot with parents and their two daughters.
And here again. But the parents also wanted to keep the memory of their lost twin boys alive, especially for their young girls who sadly never met them. So mother Katy had a unique and truly beautiful idea…
Here it is– their truly complete family portrait. What a breathtaking way to remember and cherish Aiden and Gavin.
The loss of a child cannot be described. I am not sure it can even be conceived of for anyone who hasn’t had the traumatic experience of it. I just hope that this family photo has offered a little bit of solace to the Patten family. Please share their beautiful family portrait on further if you wish them the same.
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